Hall & Wilcox rings in 2023 with inaugural female chair of partners

Hall & Wilcox is ringing in 2023 with the appointment of Emma Woolley as its inaugural female chair of partners.

Woolley is the first woman to step into the role in Hall & Wilcox’s 105 years in the business. She takes the reins on 1 January 2023, succeeding Mark Dunphy.

“I am delighted to be appointed as chair of Hall & Wilcox, a firm with a long history of inclusion and with such a great culture. I am honoured to take on the role and look forward to working with our great leadership team,” Woolley said.

She has served as the firm’s pro bono partner for over five years, and was key to the growth of the pro bono and community practice. As a specialist in private clients and wills and estates, she also headed up the development of the firm’s private clients practice.

Woolley first made partner at Hall & Wilcox in 2012, and joined the board in 2019.

Managing partner Tony Macvean praised her as “an outstanding lawyer and leader, who actively supports the firm’s vision and values (Hallmarks) and will bring significant governance experience to the chair role.”

“Emma is admired in the firm and the market for her quality, judgment and gravitas. I can’t wait to work with Emma as we embark on the next stage of the firm’s growth and evolution,” Macvean said.

Outgoing chair Dunphy, who first took the chair position in 2015, will remain with Hall & Wilcox as a senior partner and counsel. Last month, he was announced as the new chair of international legal organisation SCG Legal

“As chair, Mark has made a significant contribution to the firm and its leadership and governance. Mark has overseen a period of significant growth for the firm – during his tenure, we have more than doubled in partner numbers. His rigorous and considered approach in leading the board has been a strength of the firm, and is appreciated by the board and leadership team,” Macvean said. “Partners value Mark as a sounding board and conduit with management. I have loved my time working with Mark as chair, and can’t thank him enough for his contribution.”