Hall & Wilcox recently passed a milestone when the corporate law firm’s Newcastle office announced its first internal partner promotion.

The independent business law firm first opened its doors in Newcastle during 2015, commencing with 15 people, and has since tripled in size with 45 people on staff currently.

Growth has come both organically and via merger and acquisition; the firm was involved in a merger with Harris Wheeler during 2017.

Andrew Murphy was promoted to Partner in the firm’s statutory insurance practice, where he works with employers and insurers on a wide range of workers compensation claims. In the same round of promotions, local Newcastle Lawyer, Holly Lawson was appointed to Senior Associate in statutory insurance.

Head of Hall & Wilcox’s Newcastle office, Daniel Stoddart said the internal promotions reflect a firm building its identity in the region.

“Hall & Wilcox has consolidated a strong position in the Hunter Valley region and seeks to further the commitment, as shown by our first local internal partner appointment,” Daniel said.

“Andrew is a great long-term Newcastle person, as is Holly Lawson. They are both assets to the firm and indicative of the local talent coming through our pathways.”

Daniel said he expects Hall & Wilcox to keep growing, citing connection between the local economy and the firm’s strengths in insurance, financial services, property development, social housing and infrastructure.

He said Hall & Wilcox’s development in Newcastle means it can compete with any firm in the region.

“Our insurance expertise has been important in the Hunter region, along with financial services and property,” Daniel said.

“We’ve been involved with some exciting projects, including The Store development in Newcastle.

“Our social housing expertise has been important, with partner Katrina Reye leading some excellent work in the local social housing sector.”

IMAGE | Head of Hall & Wilcox’s Newcastle office, Daniel Stoddart.