The North Queensland Law Association was formed on 25 January 1959. The Chairman of their inaugural meeting was Mr W J Gillman who later became the first President of the Association.  The North Queensland Law Association was the first Regional District Law Association outside of a major capital city and since its formation has continued to be one of the most active District Law Associations in Queensland.

One of the main functions of the North Queensland Law Association is to organise an annual conference which alternates between Mackay, Townsville and Cairns each year. Each year, the elected President of the Association generally practices in the district where the conference will be held.