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What’s next for Hall & Wilcox?
In a conversation with Lawyers Weekly, Hall & Wilcox managing partner Tony Macvean said that although overall, the firm had a successful 2022, there were a number of headline issues the BigLaw player is continuing to focus on in 2023.
Lauren Croft
“2022 was a positive year for us. We worked for great clients on substantial and interesting matters. Our firm grew, both in terms of revenue and people,” he said.
Hall & Wilcox also averaged 40 pro bono hours per lawyer last year, as well as appointed 11 internal partners and hired seven additional partners. In December, the firm also appointed its first-ever female chair in its 105-year history, Emma Woolley.
“We feel that we are successfully navigating post-COVID challenges. With HW Evolve, we are embracing hybrid working, combining the personal benefits of flexible/remote working with the benefits of collaborating in person and in the office,” Mr Macvean added.
“In 2023, our priorities will include continued growth — both nationally and in our focus markets and sectors. In 2023, areas of focus are likely to include projects and infrastructure, cyber and information security, ESG, and family office support and advice. We will continue to double down on our major industry groups, in particular, public sector, tech and digital economy, and health and community.”
Hall & Wilcox will also continue to focus on new clients and partnerships, as well as their culture for staff, including staff development, according to Mr Macvean, who added that “as well as continuing to invest in pro bono and community generally, this year we want to actively participate in the Voice discussion and do what we can to support reconciliation with First Nations people.”
The firm is also developing a “comprehensive partner/leader leadership development program” this year, in addition to implementing evolving post-COVID-19 working practices and “supporting diversity and inclusion across the firm, including by really supporting parents and carers returning to work and juggling work and responsibilities,” according to Mr Macvean.
“Initiatives that we will be focused on in 2023 include continuing to implement our ESG strategy [and] continuing to support and work with our Board of Emerging Leaders (BEL).
“Our commitment to ESG principles and a sustainable future is aligned with this purpose. We have joined the UN Global Compact, and committed to achieving carbon-neutral certification through the Federal Government’s Climate Active program by no later than 2025. We will offset 100 per cent of our scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions that we are unable to reduce through mitigation activities. Increasingly, we are supporting clients with their ESG issues and challenges,” Mr Macvean added.
“The BEL brings together some of our up-and-coming leaders from across our offices and teams, who provide feedback, raise ideas and have input into our strategic direction and decision-making. It is a conduit between Hall & Wilcox’s leaders and the next generation. The BEL has terrific momentum. It is helping us learn what we can do better as a firm, and is contributing to a number of projects across the firm.”
Further, Mr Macvean added that the firm will be “revising our five-year strategy, and thinking about what comes next for the firm and our future direction.”
Lauren Croft
Lauren is a journalist at Lawyers Weekly and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Macleay College. Prior to joining Lawyers Weekly, she worked as a trade journalist for media and travel industry publications and Travel Weekly. Originally born in England, Lauren enjoys trying new bars and restaurants, attending music festivals and travelling. She is also a keen snowboarder and pre-pandemic, spent a season living in a French ski resort.
