Thirty years in business is worth celebrating. For O’Brien Palmer, this milestone is not just about time. It is about service, integrity, professional relationships, loyalty and the people who have shaped the firm along the way.
In this special conversation, Managing Partner Liam Bailey sat down with Christopher Palmer, one of O’Brien Palmer’s founders and a highly respected figure in the insolvency profession, who is also celebrating the milestone of 50 years in the insolvency industry!
Where it began
O’Brien Palmer was founded when Chris Palmer and John O’Brien left BDO to start their own firm. The firm began with a small team of around six or seven people and has since grown into the O’Brien Palmer of today.
When Liam joined in 2012, he found a firm rich in experience, history and culture. As Liam said to Chris: “The opportunity to work with you and to be mentored by you has been really key and very critical to my own professional development.”
A culture built over time
Over the years, O’Brien Palmer has changed in size, location and team make-up. Chris reflected that one of the biggest changes has been the diversity of the firm today:
“Now we have a blend of staff members, female, male, people of different nationalities, which is I think adding to the firm.”
That blend of experience, backgrounds and perspectives has helped shape the firm’s culture and the way it serves clients, referrers and the wider community.
Fifty years in insolvency
Chris has spent around 50 years in insolvency, which is a rare achievement in any profession. He has seen the industry change significantly and has been involved in many complex matters over the years.
When asked whether he had ever been threatened in the course of his work, Chris replied: “I have been threatened on many occasions, but I’ve never felt as though I could not deal with it.”
That quiet confidence says a lot about Chris and the era of insolvency work he helped shape.
A milestone worth acknowledging
Chris was reluctant to talk about what he is proud of. But after some encouragement from Liam, he said: “I’m proud of the fact that we’ve been able to trade for 30 years. I think that’s quite an achievement.”
Indeed it is. Thirty years is a significant milestone, especially in a profession built on trust, judgement, ethics and long-standing relationships. As Liam noted, O’Brien Palmer continues to pride itself on excellence and ethics.
This milestone is an opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of the O’Brien Palmer journey.
To Chris Palmer and John O’Brien, for founding the firm. To the past and present team members who have contributed to its work and culture. To our referrers, advisors, clients and professional colleagues, thank you for your trust, friendship and loyalty over the past 30 years.
And to Chris, thank you for your leadership, humour, humility and service.
Thirty years on, O’Brien Palmer remains proud of where it has come from and optimistic about where it is heading next.
LIAM BAILEY, MANAGING PARTNER
O’BRIEN PALMER
📞 (61) 2 9232 3322
📧 obp1@obp.com.au
🌐 obp.com.au
Celebrating 30 years of O’Brien Palmer. This milestone is a reflection of the firm’s depth of experience, long-standing relationships, trusted advice and continued commitment to helping businesses, directors and advisors navigate financial difficulty with clarity and confidence.
Thank you to our team, clients, referrers, colleagues and friends who have been part of the journey. Thirty years on, O’Brien Palmer continues to thrive, built on service, integrity and the strength of the people behind the firm.