About Birdsey, Dedman & Bartlett Solicitors Geelong

The present legal firm commenced in 1898 when Charles H. Birdsey opened offices in Ryrie Street.

In 1913 Charles Birdsey went into partnership with Charles F. Belcher and they practised under the name of Birdsey & Belcher. Charles Belcher was the author of "The Birds of the District of Geelong" a book which is still prized by Naturalists today. On the retirement of Charles Belcher from the practice, Charles Birdsey continued on his own until 1927, when his son Roy Birdsey commenced with him as an Articled Clerk.

Roy Birdsey was admitted as a solicitor in 1931 and went into partnership with his father under the name of Birdsey & Birdsey. On the death of Charles Birdsey in 1935 Roy Birdsey continued on his own until joined by Eric Bartlett and Ross Jaques in 1952. Jim Dedman joined the firm in 1955. Upon the retirement of Ross Jaques from the partnership the name was changed to Birdsey, Dedman & Bartlett in 1964 and today continues to operate under that name.

Roy Birdsey practised until his death in 1979. Roy Birdsey was President of the Geelong Hospital from 1955 until 1976, and the “Birdsey Wing” of the Geelong Hospital is named after him.

Eric Bartlett and Jim Dedman have both now retired from the practice.

The present partners of the firm are
Andrew Hill and Lorraine Secen.