Reform

Embark on a captivating journey through the transformative life and legacy of Terry Purcell, a trailblazing figure in the realm of social and legal reform. In his compelling memoir, Purcell shares his remarkable experiences from the early 1960s, when he first entered the legal profession and identified the shortcomings of existing legal services.

Hailing from humble beginnings in Sydney's inner west, Purcell's quest for innovative solutions led him to a Churchill Fellowship, granting him invaluable insights into global social and legal reforms. His odyssey took him through a tumultuous America during the Watergate scandal, where he witnessed the challenges faced by the Navajo reservation and the poverty of Southside Chicago. Meeting passionate lawyers and reformers along the way, Purcell's journey extended to Canada and the UK, offering a unique perspective on international legal landscapes.

Returning to Australia as the Director of the Law Foundation of NSW from 1973 to 1995, Purcell catalyzed numerous reform initiatives. His visionary leadership supported the digitization of legal data, social science research on the legal profession, and enhanced community access to legal information through publications like 'Australia's Constitution - Time for Change,' the 'Pocket Guide to the Law,' and The Law Handbook. The Law Foundation also played a pivotal role in advancing the NSW Court System and supporting organizations such as The NSW College of Law, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, legal studies in schools, Continuing Legal Education, and Community Justice Centres.

Purcell's memoir unfolds against the backdrop of Australia's golden age of social and legal reform (1965-1995), spanning the rise and fall of governments. From the Menzies era to the promise of Gough Whitlam, and the reforms under Askin, Wran, Fraser, and the ambitious Hawke-Keating period, Purcell's unwavering commitment to improving access to the law for all remains a central theme.

Meet Terry Purcell, LLB, a visionary who served as the Director of The Law Foundation of NSW and co-founded the estate planning firm RetireLaw. Now in retirement, Terry resides on the Northern Beaches with his wife Pat, boasting a proud family of five children and eleven grandchildren. Immerse yourself in Purcell's inspiring narrative that transcends generations and fuels the aspirations of today's reformers and those yet to come.