The Brief:
Maddocks has named construction partner Paul Woods as CEO, effective 1 July 2026, succeeding David Newman after six years.
Woods arrives with an explicit ambition: position Maddocks as the high-quality independent alternative to the Big 8.
Maddocks has a new CEO, and he’s arriving with a clear target in his sights.
The appointment
Construction and projects partner Paul Woods takes the helm on 1 July 2026, succeeding David Newman, who exits after six years.
Woods is no outsider. He joined the firm in 2005, has been a partner for nearly 20 years, and served as Partnership Chair from 2023 to 2025, working closely with Newman on strategy and operations along the way.
And it’s his vision that’s the real story.
My vision is for Maddocks to be widely regarded as Australia’s best national, independent law firm, the high-quality alternative to the ‘big 8’ firms, by delivering exceptional service to our clients, fostering a strong culture, and driving disciplined growth.
His priorities to get there: client experience, attracting and developing top talent, strengthening the firm’s market reputation, and integrating AI responsibly to meet evolving client needs.
The backdrop
Woods isn’t alone in thinking this way.
Mid-tiers are increasingly positioning themselves as genuine challengers to the top end of town.
As global firms like HSF Kramer and Ashurst price themselves out of domestic work and pursue global mandates, ambitious independents are moving fast to fill that gap.
The numbers back it up. Over the last three years, Gadens is up 37.5% on partner count, Mills Oakley up 32% and Lander & Rogers up 31%. Most top-tiers have grown just 0-8% over the same period.
Gadens CEO Mark Pistilli has been the explicit about the ambition. The firm has shed family law, residential leasing, and wills and estates, moving out of anything it wouldn’t expect to find in a tier-one corporate firm. “We’re trying to move up the tiers,” Pistilli said.
Looks like Woods is making the same play at Maddocks.
Source: Maddocks