Second oldest law firm begins new chapter in heart of Colombo
The Chief Justice with Julius and Creasy staff. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
Renowned law firm Julius and Creasy have moved to the commercial hubbub of R.A. de Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3 from their well-known offices at Janadhipathi Mawatha, Fort, but they have retained that reassuring old-world gentility and steadfastness. The interior of Number 371 itself speaks: discreet ‘legal’ elegance with classic ebony-inlaid furniture and vintage ceramics and mirrors mingle with modern comfort.
Founded in 1879, the law firm is the second oldest in the country apart from being the largest. Founded by the British solicitors V.A. Julius and Harry Creasy, this is the first time they have come to occupy an exclusive premises. This milestone comes less than a year ahead of their 140th anniversary next year.
This week, Chief Justice Priyasath Dep P.C. and the Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya P.C. visited the new head office of Julius & Creasy.
The current Senior Partner, S. A. Cader, and the other partners of the firm, welcomed the Chief Justice and the Attorney General to the new offices. Speaking afterwards, Mr. Cader noted that the new offices are in line with the change of concepts in the practice. Instead of the client having to walk into the lawyer’s office, the lawyer would venture to the lobby to greet the client.
Chief Justice Priyasath Dep P.C. (right) and Julius and Creasy senior partner S. A. Cader
From its inception the firm has served the commercial sector of the nation with dedication and commitment, always providing the highest quality of service.When the firm celebrated its 135th anniversary in 2014, Judge C.G. Weeramantry, former Vice President of the International Court of Justice and former Justice of Supreme Court of Sri Lanka( then Ceylon) in his message had stated “When I commenced legal practice 65 years ago, the name of Julius and Creasy always stood for excellence in legal service. We young advocates would consider it a privilege to be retained by Julius and Creasy and the retainer by them meant that all relevant documents, carefully scrutinized and methodically arranged, would be part of the brief we receive. Throughout my years of practice and during my years on the bench , this tradition continued. Even in my years spent overseas, I have heard from time to time of work done by Julius and Creasy in accordance with this high tradition”.