John Gallagher is the director and founder of Argon Law and has practised law for over 35 years with experience in commercial and property law, estate planning and wills.
With a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance, John is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and serves on the board of the UDIA’s Sunshine Coast Institute’s regional Branch Committee.
John has also seen many highlights across his career and been the recipient of numerous accolades and awards making him one of the best lawyers on the Sunshine Coast.
Thank you to the Sunshine Coast Daily and The Courier-Mail for the “Top Sunshine Coast Lawyers Revealed‘ which featured our director, John Gallagher.
John Gallagher has spent two decades as a commercial and property lawyer and is motivated by helping clients to achieve the best possible outcomes. He established Argon Law in 2013 which at the time focused on commercial and business law, property law and wills and estates; but has now grown to include litigation, dispute resolution, employment law, asset protection and more.
Mr Gallagher said he has had the privilege of representing some of the Coast’s largest organisations including local councillors and various property developers; but from a community standpoint has spent the last 12 years volunteering at the Sunshine Coast Legal Service.
“Additionally, Argon Law has proudly sponsored various community events on the Sunshine Coast, including the Buderim 9 cycling event for six years and the Sunshine Coast Art Prize for five years,” he said.
“Giving back to the Sunshine Coast community is a cause we’re passionate about.”
In October of 2024, John was celebrated for his 25 years of professional membership at the Queensland Law Society’s (QLS) Celebrate Recognise Socialise event on the Sunshine Coast along with five others.
At the event, John discussed how he was excited about the future of the Sunshine Coast’s social and economic expansion.
“Regional practice on the Sunshine Coast affords me a fantastic balance of the lifestyle of a coastal community and the professional challenges of a substantial and growing regional centre,” John said.
“The Sunshine Coast is currently experiencing significant transformation and being a part of this dynamic change is incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to contribute meaningfully to the development of the community and the legal landscape here.
“I was first drawn to law, particularly commercial law, during my combined studies in law and commerce.
“My attraction stemmed from recognising the pivotal role that law plays in the functioning of businesses and the broader economy. This sparked a keen interest in understanding how legal frameworks support and regulate business operations, influencing economic trends and structures.”
“Receiving the 25-year pin is a significant milestone for me, marking a quarter-century of dedication in my legal career,” he said. “However, I don’t see it as a personal achievement; it’s a team one.
“The unwavering support from my partner Tory, my family, and the many colleagues I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with has been integral to my success.
“This pin symbolises not just the years I’ve spent in the profession but the collective effort and shared victories along the way. It’s a reminder of the wonderful relationships and teamwork that have enriched my career.”
John said he wanted to extend his gratitude to his business and life partner, Tory Richards.
“Her unwavering dedication not only to me but also to the success of Argon Law has been instrumental,” he said. “Her commitment and support have enabled us to achieve our goals and continue to drive our mission forward. I am profoundly thankful for her partnership and contributions.”
On Thursday 9 December 2021, John received a Lifetime award for giving 12 years of service as a volunteer of the Suncoast Community Legal Service Inc.
This important and critical non-profit’s purpose is to address disadvantage by providing quality legal advice, information and education to the Sunshine Coast community through volunteers and staff.
In 2021 the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Queensland State President, Mr. Warwick Bible, announced that John had been appointed to the Sunshine Coast’s regional Branch Committee for 2021-2023.
“It will be a great honour to work alongside other incredibly dedicated professionals on the UDIA committee who play an important role in advocating effectively for world class communities for Queenslanders” John said.
“As a property and commercial lawyer living and working on the Sunshine Coast for over 20 years, I hope to extend my expertise to the UDIA in its advocacy for jobs creation and economic prosperity through prudent and informed non-residential and residential planning and construction within our region.
“Being a proud citizen and long-standing member of the Coast’s business community, I feel it is important to contribute in a meaningful way towards shaping its ongoing policy, investment and productivity. I know the next two years will be a crucial and very exciting period of expansion for the property development industry which is one of the most vital to our region’s lasting economic success.”
Returning Branch President Carl Nancarrow from McNab said “John will be a highly valued member of the Sunshine Coast branch committee, and we are looking forward to his ongoing contribution. John’s long-term commitment to growing and giving back to the Sunshine Coast is a true asset and we are excited to welcome his extensive legal knowledge and expertise across the board.”
John became an Honorary Senior Fellow at the University of the Sunshine Coast on Friday 8 April 2016.
John, who served on USC’s Planning and Resources Committee from 2006 to 2015 received the award at the USC Arts, Business and Law graduation.
As an enthusiastic committee member, John helped guide strategic direction and provided legal and corporate advice to the University in a period that saw USC’s student population more than double. He monitored USC’s progress towards achieving its institutional goals and provided advice on business, corporate and legal matters.
The Senior Fellowship to John was one of five honorary awards presented over four USC graduation ceremonies on 7 and 8 April.
John worked as a barrister, in private practice and for major banks around Australia and in London before settling on the Sunshine Coast 14 years ago. He opened his own commercial law firm, Argon Law, in 2013.
John of Beerwah initially became involved with the Planning and Resources Committee at the suggestion of his uncle Ian Kennedy, who served as USC Chancellor from 1998 to 2007.
He said he was humbled to have his service to the University recognised with an Honorary Senior Fellowship.
“I am committed to giving back to the communities we, at Argon Law, serve,” he said.
“Whether it’s providing volunteer legal advice, supporting the growth of tertiary education, or helping fund vital support to those with illness and physical disabilities, I believe the expression “good corporate citizenship” must be tangible, meaningful and collaborative.
“I continue to enjoy maintaining my connection with USC in any way, let alone to be honoured with an award like this.
“I’m very grateful to all the people that I’ve had the opportunity to work with, particularly the chancellors and vice-chancellors – with my uncle Ian Kennedy primary among them.”
John said it had been deeply satisfying to have used his legal background to contribute towards USC’s development.
“The thing that stands out for me from my time serving on the committee is the sheer growth that has occurred at USC over the nine years,” he said.
“Student numbers doubled and the number of buildings constructed in that time is pretty amazing. It was satisfying to see those grow from conception to a finished product.”
USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said John’s generous involvement with USC had helped the university mature into a highly regarded institution.
“He has demonstrated an extraordinary blend of vision, energy and strategic leadership, along with the qualifications and skills to make a tremendous impact on this University,” Professor Hill said.
Copyright © - 2025. Argon Law. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy
