Our Story

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’.