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HWL Ebsworth moves into new leadership model
HWL Ebsworth has formalised its new leadership structure after the tragic death of its managing partner, Juan Martinez, earlier this year.
Naomi Neilson
Following an extensive review, a board will replace the existing managing partner model, headed up by chief strategy officer Russell Mailler and new chief executive officer Kris Hopkins.
The management structure will not change in function.
Mailler said Martinez’s leadership “drove the growth of the firm” for nearly three decades, and it was the former managing partner’s flat management structure and agile processes that “have enabled exceptional success” across HWL Ebsworth.
“Our new leadership structure preserves the strengths of our nimble management and operations, while also establishing a governance model that reflects and draws on the skills, expertise and perspectives of our partners,” Mailler said.
Hopkins, who formerly held the position of chief operations officer, said the board model will “enable greater engagement” with the partners and provide “stability and consistency of governance”.
“We have explored best practice from the corporate sector, reflecting the fact our clients expect the best management practices will be delivered by the people who advise them,” Hopkins said.
A board election will be held from 1 July.
After Martinez’s sudden death in March this year, the firm praised him as an “inestimable leader and giant of the legal profession”.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Juan’s family, friends and colleagues as they process this devastating news,” the firm said in a statement.
At the time, HWL chair Ross Williams stepped into his role.
Williams worked alongside Hopkins and Mailler to “ensure the firm continues to meet the needs of its clients and to support the firm’s team members during this difficult time”.
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
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