The law firm of Holden Barlow was founded in 1987 as a partnership between Michael Holden and John Barlow becoming the first 'boutique' Family Law firm in Perth.
In 1988 John Barlow was appointed as a Judge of the District Court of western Australia. His Honor subsequently served as a Judge of the Family Court of western Australia from 1998 to 2005.

Upon John Barlow's appointment as a Judge of the District Court of western Australia, Nan Jenus succeeded him as a partner of the firm.

In 1991, Michael Holden was appointed a Judge of the Family Court of western Australia. In 1996, His Honor was appointed the Chief Judge of the Family Court of western Australia and served as Chief Judge until February 2007.