Michael Connolly,
HWL Ebsworth Lawyers’ NSW state practice group head, has died after a brief battle with cancer.
“The news of Michael's passing was received with great sorrow across our firm. Michael's commitment to his fellow partners, his team and his clients was an inspiration to all. Michael made an exceptional contribution to the firm, and we will miss him terribly,”
Juan Martinez, the firm’s managing partner, told
Australasian Lawyer. “Our thoughts are with his wife and children at this time.”
Martinez said that partner Steven Penning will be the NSW state practice group head for the Workplace Relations & Safety Group.
Connolly joined HWL Ebsworth in February 2009 after working as a senior associate at
MinterEllison, as a solicitor at
Clayton Utz, and as legal officer at WorkCover Authority of NSW.
The firm said he dedicated himself to creating a “high-performing and collegiate team” within its Sydney office.
“He inspired his team with his client focus, his integrity and his commitment to mentoring his junior staff. Michael's particular expertise in workplace health and safety ensured that he was a highly valued advisor to a broad range of commercial and government clients,” the firm said.
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