Hot 40 2014: The 40 inspiring lawyers shaking the industry up
Australasian Lawyer reveals 2014's 40 hottest private practice lawyers working in the trans-Tasman legal market
What makes a lawyer ‘hot’?
It’s got nothing to do with looks, if you’re curious. In compiling this list of Australia and New Zealand’s standout legal talent,
Australasian Lawyer has been burning the midnight oil researching the region’s prominent dealmakers and lawyers who have made the headlines.
What this feature seeks to achieve is to profile lawyers who have stood out among their peers in some way. It’s not all about deals. All manner of achievements were considered. This included non-transaction areas, pro bono work, involvement in a landmark case or judgment, or a result that defied the odds.
Lawyers featured here could also have simply been water-cooler talk – a result of being involved in something that, from an industry standpoint, was nothing other than interesting or amusing.
Of course, being included in listings such as this is a significant achievement, but we should remember that many commendable lawyers never receive such accolades for one reason or another.
Thus,
Australasian Lawyer’s HOT 40 does not purport to be an exhaustive listing of meritorious achievement.
Lawyers were chosen for this feature based on submissions received from firms; nominations made on our website (
australasianlawyer.com.au); and, in the dealmakers section, a look at those lawyers fronting significant deals that have made the news.
The Hot 40:
TRAILBLAZERS
The intrepid lawyers breaking new ground in the legal industry
As industries go, the legal market is a tough nut to crack. Not only is it fiercely competitive – it’s becoming increasingly global. Demands on firms to provide more for less intensify every year and the cost of failing to adapt is high. In this section, we pay homage to a handful of lawyers who have reached incredible heights in the business of running a law firm. These lawyers have played key roles in their firms’ strategies to tap into new markets, transform their client base and grow their practice areas.
THE RAIN MAKERS
The legal pros who have headlined the deals environment
It’s a tough life running the marketing function of a corporate law firm. In theory, the firm is a team, a collective where the efforts and kudos are shared in equal measure among the partners. The reality is somewhat different. Every firm has their big dealmaker – the lawyer whose name seems to appear on every significant deal. This section recognises the lawyers who have advised on not only the biggest deals, but also on deals that were newsworthy, defied the odds or were just plain fascinating.
LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS
Lawyers who have had a notable or career defining year
Old wisdom suggests that some lawyers are born great, others achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them. Whatever was the case for the lawyers here, this section honours those who have had a reason to pinpoint 2013 or 2014 as particularly noteworthy years in their careers. This could be for a variety of reasons: a significant case, a ruling with far reaching consequences for the industry or taking on work that involved navigating some considerable hurdles.
PILLARS OF THE COMMUNITY
Lawyers who have contributed to the greater good through pro bono work, mentoring or pursuing noble causes
Australian and New Zealand lawyers are known for having a heart – and big ones at that. Lawyers devote a sizeable portion of their time every year to advancing good causes and often this is motivated by nothing more than altruism. These lawyers haven’t celebrated diversity, advised communities or advanced charitable causes to get the spotlight, but just this once we’re giving them the pat on the back they deserve.
To read the full feature, download
Australasian Lawyer's Hot 40 2014 feature on PDF.
