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50 Years Young And Counting
It may have been 50 years, but one thing hasn’t changed for MBA Lawyers – the Gold Coast community comes first.
MBA Lawyers has been at the forefront of innovative and client centric legal practice since 1970.Whether you’re buying or selling a house or business, looking after the needs of a loved one, dealing with contentious personal or business issues or simply needing advice, MBA Lawyers is here for you.
The community mantra is one that lives on today and will continue to do so for the next 50 years. A mantra that has cemented the firm’s undeniable 50 years of success.
Our firm remains one of the oldest and most established firms on the Gold Coast. We also contribute significantly to the local community by participating in many initiatives and supporting various community associations.
Our History
MBA Lawyers was established by John McDonald in 1970. In 1979 he was joined by Rob Balanda and the firm soon became McDonald Balanda and Associates. In 2005 the firm chose to transition from the name McDonald Balanda & Associates and adopted the acronym MBA.
The firm initially operated from Surfers Paradise for 37 years, before the rapidly growing team moved to purpose-built premises in Varsity Lakes in 2007, finally settling into their forever home in Robina Town Centre in 2022.
When John McDonald left the firm, Rob Balanda took over as managing partner.
The controversial Gold Coast Boral Quarry case was the highlight of Rob’s legal career.
“MBA was more than just a law firm, it became a platform to assist you in supporting your local community,” he says.
“The hundreds of hours I put in to win the controversial Gold Coast Boral Quarry case was all done through MBA and I would have to say that it would be the proudest moment of my career.
“I’ve been retired now for five years and when i think about who i’ve helped, the thing I talk most about is the quarry case.”
Tradition and Innovation
MBA Lawyers is uniquely placed in valuing its tradition of client-centric care but seeking bold and innovative work practices to ensure the firm stays relevant and modern.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the MBA Lawyers team rose to the challenge of remote working practices, adopting new technology and maintaining productivity during those unprecedented times.
For managing partner Clayton Glenister, this approach by his team gave him a great sense of pride.
“We will meet, and exceed, any challenges that technology and artificial intelligence have on the legal industry,” he says.
“But what technology and AI can’t provide are the things that we pride ourselves in giving our clients – connections, networks, personalised service and an ability to think outside the box.
“Clients don’t want to hear ‘no’ from their lawyers, they want to know ‘how’ and we must meet that expectation where ever possible.”
The MBA Lawyers Difference
At MBA Lawyers, we’re your lawyers for life. We take pride in having more accredited specialists and experts in their fields of law than any other firm on the Gold Coast. It’s our ‘best in class’ offering that provides you the best step toward success.
A strong network of professionals covers many key areas of law and commercial practices to address your legal issues. We help overcome challenges to make an empowering difference to you, your business, your family and your lifestyle.
We invite you to experience the difference of how we can help you to thrive. Be proactive, be prepared and be positive – choose MBA Lawyers ‘for life’.
Our History
1970
- MBA Lawyers is established by John McDonald.
1980
- Rob Balanda becomes Partner.
2002
- Clayton Glenister joins MBA Lawyers
- Mitchell Clark becomes Partner.
2005
- McDonald Balanda & Associates officially changes name to MBA Lawyers.
2007
- MBA Lawyers moves to a purpose built premises in Varsity Lakes after 37 years in Surfers Paradise.
2010
- Matt Windle joins MBA Lawyers.
2014
- Duane Williams joins MBA Lawyers
2015
- Clayton Glenister becomes Managing Partner
- Matt Windle becomes Partner
- Rob Balanda retires as Managing Partner & Foundation Partner
2017
- Duane Williams becomes Partner
- MBA Lawyers becomes an Incorporated Legal Practice
2020
- MBA Lawyers celebrate it’s 50th anniversary
2021
- MBA Lawyers opens Brisbane office in North Quay
- MBA Lawyers Emploment and Workplace Relations expands operations
2022
- Clayton Glenister celebrates 20 years at the firm
- Mitchell Clark celebrate 20 years as Partner
- MBA Lawyers move into a new build at Robina Town Centre
Get in Touch
with MBA Lawyers
Feedback From Clients
The wonderful result achieved in my compensation case makes me cry and made my year. I could 100% trust Mitchell Clark’s honest and reliable personality. I was really lucky to have him. I know … Read More
MS
I would highly recommend MBA Lawyers. I was given advise that helped to ease my mind during a highly emotional time and be able to move forward.
N.B
Divorce and the family law courts are emotionally, physically and financially draining. Even though I live interstate, they provided me with a level of clarity and understanding of the legal process a… Read More
Mel
I’ve been a small business owner for 20 years and over the last 5 years I’ve engaged MBA to act on our behalf in areas of Commercial law, Estate Planning, Litigation and HR Law. MBA have been outstand… Read More
Aaron Morris
Our experience was very easy and professional with MBA Lawyers. We were guided by them throughout the entire process of the sale of our property. The service and response to our questions was extremel… Read More
Shelly and Chris McSwain
A wonderful experience when buying my first home. Really supportive, prompt and a kind team. Great administration too. She was so helpful and friendly and really went out of her way to be supportive i… Read More
K Bowyer
This firm were outstanding. Fast response times and due diligence on my behalf. Took care of all my needs in a rapid property transfer.
George Samaha
I was selling a property and buying a property and found MBA lawyers to be superb. They provided different skilled lawyers through the process to ensure I had the right skills as we stepped through th… Read More
Chris Smith
“Thank you very much for your help with my insurance case following the car accident. I am deeply indebted to you for all you have done for me.“
KK
I really appreciate the great work of Mitchell Clark and his team at MBA Lawyers who worked on my accident compensation case. Always giving me the best information possible and keeping up to date with… Read More
MS
I was hopeless with the accident. I had no idea for the solution on my own. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Mitchell Clark and his team for dealing with this in a difficult situation. It took… Read More
Kenichi S
My life changed in November 2017 when I had a fall at work which left me with a catastrophic spinal cord injury. The obvious changes to my life meant that I required the help of a legal advisor to hel… Read More
Mike B
Feeling extremely grateful for the advice I received from Ben at MBA. It reminds me of the indispensable value of great customer service, which was also paired with professional and relevant advice fo… Read More
Jana Klintoukh
My life changed in November 2017 when I had a fall at work which left me with a catastrophic spinal cord injury. The obvious changes to my life meant that I required the help of a legal advisor to hel… Read More
MIKE B – Personal Injuries Client
I recently sold a property with residential conveyancing support from MBA Lawyers. I have bought and sold several properties over the years, but this was the first time I have worked with MBA. The sta… Read More
Damien Mattson
It was a pleasure to deal with MBA Lawyers for the settlement of two properties in a different state. The process was seamless and professional at all points of the process.
Sharee Siva
We have referred many of our clients to MBA Lawyers, they have been excellent and very professional with the assistance provided to them with regards to the purchase of their property on the Gold Coas… Read More
Douglas & Sharon Vincent, Hunters Buyers Agents
I have dealt with various law firms during my career and no other firm has provided a higher level of service than Matt and the team at MBA Lawyers. MBA Lawyers have assisted myself and my business wi… Read More
East Coast Incorporations
Highly recommend MBA Lawyers. Matt was extremely professional and prompt with their communications for the whole process.
Anthony Stehbens
Kate Melo has been an absolute pleasure to deal with over the last 5 months of the drawn out sales process. Kate always kept me informed at all stages, Kate was quick, diligent and professional when r… Read More