b'It would be impossible to overestimate what Hemsley did for the firm both as one of Sydneys finest lawyers and as a courteous and kindly gentleman. he set the standard.Dundas Allen, partnerAustralia. Under Hemsleys guidance the firms practiceBarton was the first prime minister. Along with Henry became increasingly commercial and its reputation forParkes a long-t ime friend of the Allen family Barton excellence was strengthened. was a leading figure in the constitutional conventions that preceded federation. Barton would have a resounding In 1897 Arthur and Reginald Allens brother Herbert, influence on the new country. He would also be a guiding who had completed his legal training in London, joined thehand to his nephew in Melbourne, Arthur Robinson, whose practice. In 1902 Cecil Cowper joined as a partner. Arthurlegal firm would one day merge with Allen Allen & Hemsley. remained the official head of the firm and he and Reginald continued to use their connections to introduce newSlowly, Australia emerged from economic depression to clients. However, it was Hemsley who provided the legalbegin the transition from a collection of disparate colonies to horsepower and took the lead in managing the delivery a vibrant and unified nation. Customs barriers were removed of legal services to the firms growing client list. between the states, trade increased and manufacturing expanded. The good times were set to return.The start of the new century was a time of great change, both for the firm and for the embryonic nation. On1January 1901 the six British colonies united through federation to become the Commonwealth of Australia. Edmund The partners of Allen Allen & Hemsley as they appeared in The Cyclopedia of New South Wales, 1907. From left: Reginald Allen; Arthur Allen; Cecil Cowper; Herbert Allen; and Alfred Hemsley. 61'