John opened the first office of the firm in 1961 in Blackburn Road, Syndal.  He and Tony Oakley formed Hicks & Oakley in 1983 and the partnership prospered over the next 20 years.  John retired as a Partner in 2003 but continued to practice as a Consultant on a part time basis until his semi retirement in 2005 after 50 years in the legal profession.  John was an Accredited Specialist in wills & probate with a particular skill in the area of estate planning involving:

• wills
• executors & guardians
• testamentary trusts
• social security
• taxation law

John is a member of rotary, plays lawn bowls and is a keen follower of football and cricket.