A much younger Andrew Spilva started as a law clerk with the firm Kahn Clahr & Garsa in Melbourne until his admission on September 1, 1969 where he had commenced his Articles.
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Fast forward to last Sunday afternoon, September 1, 2019 which he described as “a fantastic destination” to arrive in celebrating 50 years as barrister and solicitor - to the day.
“I value my milestone. It’s a wonderful, wonderful experience fulfilling my admission as lawyer,” the 78-year-old told about 100 people celebrating the special occasion in the Willow Room at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort.
“It is overwhelming that I have my family, friends and colleagues here to celebrate this occasion with me.”
Having arrived in Port Melbourne from Europe in September 1949 as an immigrant with his mother and stepfather, unable to speak a word of English and dressed in traditional German Lederhosen, Mr Spilva’s story is remarkable.
Primary school on the Mornington Peninsula changed that scenario. Then it was secondary school at Footscray Tech and a trainee telephone technician apprenticeship with the PMG.
However, when he said ‘I wish I could be a solicitor’, an engineer friend advised him to study adult matriculation. Andrew did and the following year was admitted to Melbourne University Law Faculty and worked part-time in hospitality to meet expenses.
After his first law appointment in 1969, he moved to David Allen & Associates gaining valuable court experience. In late 1971, Andrew commenced his own practice in Brunswick and was joined, in 1974 by legal partner Vin Sier, who was in attendance last Sunday.
Defending drivers in regional areas throughout Victoria meant considerable driving along the old Hume Highway. “I appeared in historical court houses such as Rutherglen, Chiltern, Beechworth and Yarrawonga many times. Sadly they are all now closed,” Andrew said.
Several memorable court cases were mentioned last Sunday which really enlightened the audience, especially one in which well-known local Brian Keenan contributed information about a key give to a shed becoming part of a contract.
During 1994, it was decided to close the business in Brunswick and relocate the practice to Yarrawonga; formally opening an office in Maggs Arcade on January 6, 1995.
Andrew’s wife Vivian welcomed everyone last Sunday and said she “absolutely thrilled to celebrate ‘what an achievement!’
Vivian, of course, is her husband’s legal secretary and was the successful applicant for the advertised position, commencing duty in mid-1973.
“From the moment I began work I could see that Andrew was a compassionate and caring solicitor who understood his client’s needs and fought hard for them,” Vivian said.
“He had enormous respect for the legal system and in every matter he took on, did so with the highest integrity.”
Vivian said Andrew was a most passionate community member. Twenty years of voluntary service on the hospital board at Yarrawonga and acting as chair of the Lake Mulwala Community Action Group have been two outstanding and successful roles he has undertaken.
Andrew’s honorary roles also include a long association with Scouts and Guides and golf, both at Yarrawonga/Mulwala and at St James.
Andrew said he became involved in the community after a chat with former well-known identity in Melbourne, Geelong and Yarrawonga Max Porter OAM. In January 2018, the star of last Sunday’s celebration was awarded the OAM for services to the community.
The Spilva’s two grown up children Konrad and Brenda spoke fondly of their parents, as did Vin Sier and barrister Russell Young. An open microphone session followed which included Mike Session, John Taylor, Eddie Ermanis, Bruce Pigdon OAM and Doug Evans OAM having their say.
Included in his thanks, Andrew said his business had some amazing long serving staff members, and emphasised the importance of good staff. But there was no doubting the person who rightly deserved the greatest accolade.
“Of course my achievement of 50 years as a barrister and solicitor would not have occurred without my heart and soulmate, my darling wife Vivian,” he said. “She has been beside me every step of the way.”
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