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Partner Profile: Bill Hickey
Every week we ask a law firm partner a series of rapid-fire questions about their career. This week: TressCox Lawyers' Bill Hickey.
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Which firm are you with?
When did you join that firm?
I was one of the founding partners of Macrossans when it was set up in 1998.
When were you made a partner of that firm?
1998.
Which firm were you at most recently prior to this?
Hill & Taylor.
What practice group are you with?
Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution.
What has been the most significant change to your practice area during your career?
The move towards specialisation in practice. Without wanting to sound too ancient, when I commenced practice, to be a litigation lawyer meant you did all kinds of litigation, including personal injuries and family law. Those two areas have become specialised areas in themselves and within commercial litigation there are specialised streams such as insolvency and construction disputes.
What has been a major career highlight for you?
Being involved in the establishment of Macrossans Lawyers as a founding partner. To start a new firm was exciting and working with my partners to develop a firm that was successful and professionally well-regarded was very rewarding. The recent merger of Macrossans Lawyers with TressCox as of 1 October 2012 is an exciting highlight in prospect as we help create a strong presence in Brisbane for TressCox.
What do you like about being a lawyer?
It is rewarding to have clients who depend upon and trust you to help them deal with legal problems with which they are confronted. It is always satisfying to achieve a successful outcome for your client in court or through settlement negotiations. I have also enjoyed the opportunities I have had to work with and for intelligent and interesting people.
What do you find challenging?
It is challenging to manage a dispute where there are significant consequences for your client as there are a number of aspects of litigation over which you can exert limited control. That said, it is managing such a dispute well and helping your client cope with what can be a very stressful experience that makes the job rewarding.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
The regular things – spending time with family and friends, music, reading, going to the movies, watching football and going to the beach.
