National growth drives latest Hall & Wilcox promotion round

Hall & Wilcox’s latest promotions are the result of a growth strategy focused on investing in people, building capability and creating opportunities across its national practice.

The promotion round includes 72 senior lawyers and corporate service professionals, comprising three new partners, 19 special counsel, 36 senior associates and 14 corporate services promotions. The appointments cap off a period of significant growth for the firm, which has doubled revenue since 2021 and continues to strengthen its position as one of Australia’s fastest-growing independent national law firms. 

Chief Executive Partner Graydon Dowd said the promotions reflected the firm’s commitment to developing talent and creating long-term career opportunities. 

‘Growth creates opportunities for our people, and these promotions recognise individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to our clients, our culture and the firm,’ he said. 

‘As we continue to invest in our national practice and respond to evolving client needs, we are creating pathways for talented people to develop their careers, deepen their expertise and take on leadership roles.’

Meet our new partners

Ann O’Connell specialises in dispute resolution, with a particular focus on restructuring and insolvency, corporate workouts and turnaround and banking and debt recovery. She advises companies and their directors, administrators, liquidators, receivers and trustees in bankruptcy, and assists her clients in both an advisory and litigious capacity.

Ann said Hall & Wilcox has provided opportunities to develop both technical expertise and leadership skills throughout her career. 

‘Hall & Wilcox has given me every opportunity to learn and grow, both as a technical expert and as a leader. The collaborative culture means you are always learning from those around you, which ultimately helps you deliver better outcomes for clients.’

Hamish McNair is an experienced commercial litigator with a particular focus on financial services disputes, reputational claims, regulatory matters and complex corporate and trust disputes.

Reflecting on his career progression, Hamish said Hall & Wilcox has supported him to grow his practice while balancing family life.

‘The firm’s flexibility and supportive culture have enabled me to advance my career while also being present for my family.’

Megan Scott specialises in insolvency and restructuring, and commercial disputes, advising insolvency practitioners, lenders, directors, shareholders and corporates through complex financial and commercial matters.

‘Hall & Wilcox has supported my career by providing a clear pathway to grow, meaningful responsibility, and an open, transparent and genuinely collaborative culture focused on learning and development.’

These promotions follow a number of strategic appointments, including government procurement and probity partner Robert Watson, employment and workplace relations partner Emily Harvey in Brisbane, and property and disputes partner James Forde and his team in Adelaide. Together, these appointments are strengthening the firm’s capabilities in key growth areas and expanding its presence in important markets around Australia.