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‘The number of departures hasn’t been a concern’: Juan Martinez on recent HWL Ebsworth partner exits
The boss of HWL Ebsworth has responded to recent movements within the firm, including the departure of several partners across a range of offices and practice areas.
Emma Musgrave
Since the start of the 2021 calendar year, the national law firm has observed a number of exits, including general liability and EPL experts Chantal van Grieken and Sian Gilbert, who have moved to Wotton + Kearney; Bryn Hardcastle and Dave Filov of the equity capital markets team, who have moved to Allens; construction and infrastructure specialist John Kehoe, who has moved to Sparke Helmore Lawyers; and David Ulbrick, also of the construction and infrastructure team, who has moved to Pinsent Masons.
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The exit dates come after HWL Ebsworth pulled its plans to launch an ASX debut in December, following months of speculation as to what the float would look like and what it would mean for the business of law.
Speaking to Lawyers Weekly, HWL Ebsworth managing partner Juan Martinez acknowledged that while there’s been a number of predominately fixed draw partners depart the firm over the last six months, “that’s not unusual” given the size, structure and overall partnership numbers.
“The number of departures hasn’t been a concern,” Mr Martinez said.
“Some of those partners have moved to other firms, while several others have gone to the Bar or have moved in-house, and each partner had different drivers for their decision.
“None of the partners who have departed over the last six to 12 months have left us exposed from an expertise or resourcing perspective. However, we’ll continue to evaluate quality recruitment opportunities as they arise.”
In a similar vein, Mr Martinez noted that the firm is continuously prioritising its headcount and will act where necessary.
“It’s important to note the other side of the coin which is, in recent months, we’ve recruited five new partners and promoted eight new partners internally,” he said.
“We were also delighted to welcome 42 of our fixed draw partners to capital partnership in December 2020.
“The firm is in a particularly exciting position in its ongoing progression, and we look forward to continuing our market-leading growth in 2021.”
The latest promotions came after the firm made 39 elevations, including four partners, in its September rounds.
“Our approach to growth, recruitment and retention hasn’t changed for over 10 years,” Mr Martinez said.
“Our overriding goal is to offer outstanding legal services in all areas of law of interest to our clients across Australia, and to achieve that, we offer our partners and staff an opportunity to reach their potential in an environment that remunerates and promotes based on merit, rather than past glories.
“The career development of our team members isn’t artificially restricted by quotas or glass ceilings. If you have the ability and are culturally aligned to our firm and our clients, you’ll progress and be rewarded.”
