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International law firm Hamilton Locke has appointed a new managing partner, with the incumbent moving into the role of executive chairman.
Brit Ibanez (pictured) is the new managing partner of Hamilton Locke, taking over from Nick Humphrey, who will serve as the firm’s executive chairman, alongside his duties as co-CEO of HPX Group, Hamilton Locke’s parent company. He will, the firm said in a statement, continue to work closely with Ibanez and the wider leadership team, while driving the next stage of growth for the broader business.
HPX co-founder Hal Lloyd will take on the role of executive chairman of Source, another HPX Group business.
Ibanez has served as Hamilton Locke’s deputy managing partner since May 2025.
Hamilton Locke has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Auckland.
In July 2025, Humphrey appeared on an episode of Legal Firesides, in which he discussed why the firm’s model is working, the continued growth of HPX, and where Hamilton Locke will sit in the Australian legal services marketplace moving forward.
Speaking about Ibanez’s elevation, Humphrey said she is “an exceptional person and leader”.
“She has been part of our firm from the very early days, building the litigation practice from the ground up and leading change that has enhanced our firm culture and work environment,” he said.
“She is a true ambassador for us and deeply invested in Hamilton Locke’s success. I’m confident our firm and people will thrive with her at the helm.”
Ibanez said: “When I joined Hamilton Locke, I was genuinely excited to have the opportunity to be part of building a team and culture around a simple ethos: that if you support your people to thrive, they will deliver their best work.
“As we’ve grown and matured, that ethos is still at the heart of our culture, and underpins our success. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and look forward to leading Hamilton Locke as we look to this next growth phase.”
Humphrey said: “When Hal and I started Hamilton Locke with a blank piece of paper, we set out to explore what was possible in the legal market.
“HPX Group, of which Hamilton Locke is part alongside Source, reflects our vision to be a business that challenges the status quo. Just as our clients are evolving and looking for new, innovative ways to deliver products and services, we’ll be focusing on delivering that for them.”
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of professional services (including Lawyers Weekly, HR Leader, Accountants Daily, and Accounting Times). He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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