Already the largest partnership in Australia, HWL Ebsworth continues to expand at a rapid rate, this week announcing the promotion of six partners and nine special counsel, the largest round of internal promotions the firm has ever had.
Managing partner
Juan Martinez said client demand is a significant factor in the firm’s growth, but added that the firm is making a concerted effort to foster the growth of all staff.
“We have invested heavily in the ongoing progression of our existing solicitors over several years, and we are receiving the benefits of that investment now,” Martinez told Australasian Lawyer.
“Crucially, we have been able to demonstrate a career progression for our staff, and therefore we haven't faced the same staff retention challenges as some of our competitors.
“They still have the opportunity to progress to partnership, and the lack of an artificial ceiling in this regard is working in our favour.”
The promotions are across the firm’s Insurance, Litigation, Commercial and Real Estate & Projects sectors.
In Sydney, Tim Ainsworth in the Insurance Group to the partnership, along with two partners in the Litigation Group, Karen Fairbairn and Daniel Zabow.
Colin Almond, in the Melbourne Litigation Group has been promoted to the partnership, along with Johnny Ho, in Melbourne’s Commercial Group and Alex Koidl of the Melbourne Real Estate & Projects group.
The firm has also promoted Andrew Allan (Insurance and Australian Government – Canberra office), Melissa Hanbidge (Litigation – Brisbane office), Colin Harris (Building & Construction – Brisbane office), Joy Horwood (Litigation – Perth office), Shanna Kruger (Real Estate & Projects – Sydney office), Kaveetha Kumar (Insurance – Sydney office), James Lofting (Planning, Environment & Government – Melbourne office), Mark Riddington (Building & Construction – Sydney office) and Daniele Solomon (Litigation – Melbourne office) to the position of special counsel.
“Without wanting to over simplify our success, our continuing growth is in response to client demand,” Martinez said.
“No other firm is able to match the value that we offer in a sustainable manner, and that is proving to be increasingly attractive to potential lateral recruits from global and domestic law firms.
“The combination of size and capability, benchmark value and quality is compelling to clients in such a highly challenged market.”
