HWLE Lawyers has confirmed Kris Hopkins as its sole Chief Executive Officer, closing out a co-leadership chapter that began after the sudden passing of Juan Martinez in March 2024.

Hopkins had shared the helm with Chief Executive Partner Russell Mailler through the transition. With Mailler now retired, the board has moved to a single-CEO model.

Chair Jamie Restas called it a straightforward call.

“Kris has played an important role in leading the firm and has been part of management for the past 15 years, and this appointment represents a natural progression in alignment with our current position, our focus on sustained success, as well as our future ambitions,” he said.

Hopkins won't be going it alone. He will work alongside a leadership team comprising Senior Partner Brendan Earle, a Chief Marketing Officer, General Counsel and Head of Digital Intelligence. The expanded team will sharpen the firm’s focus on risk governance, client engagement and employee experience.

The firm says it’s delivering its strongest growth in more than a decade, pointing to investment in people, client relationships and technology as the key drivers.

The new structure took effect on 20 April.

Source: HWLE Lawyers