A towering figure in Western Sydney’s legal landscape, Jim Marsden OAM has been admitted as a Life Member of the Law Society of New South Wales, marking an extraordinary milestone after more than 50 years in the legal profession.

The recognition celebrates not only longevity but a lifetime of service to justice, community and the legal profession.

“Life membership of the Law Society of NSW recognises more than longevity in the law,” said Law Society President Ronan MacSweeney.

“It’s a recognition of a solicitor member’s distinguished and meritorious service to the administration of justice and extends to their achievements outside the law.”

MacSweeney described Marsden’s influence as wide-ranging and enduring.

“Mr Marsden’s achievements have been astonishing, from advising on greenfield developments in Sydney’s south-west to guiding the partnership between the Balmain and Western Suburbs Rugby League clubs that resulted in the establishment of the Wests Tigers, and everything in between,” he said.

Marsden, admitted to practice in 1975, has spent decades helping shape the growth of Macarthur and Western Sydney, advising on major greenfield developments while building Marsdens Law Group into one of the region’s largest legal firms.

Working alongside his brother, the late John Marsden AM, he grew the practice from its Campbelltown headquarters into a major firm employing around 200 staff, with offices across south-west Sydney and the CBD.

Beyond business success, Marsden is widely respected for mentoring generations of young lawyers and championing access to justice through pro-bono work. In 2012, he was named Law Society Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year.

His community commitment was further recognised in 2013 when he received the Order of Australia Medal for service to the Campbelltown community.

Calling him “an exemplar of service in the solicitor profession,” MacSweeney praised Marsden’s deep involvement in business, sporting, artistic and charitable organisations throughout the Macarthur region.

“On behalf of the state’s solicitor profession, I congratulate Mr Marsden on this award of life membership,” he said.