Australia’s largest legal partnership is facing a crisis after its long-time leader Juan Martinez died suddenly of a suspected heart attack aged 64.
HWL Ebsworth’s CEO died Monday evening, prompting an emergency meeting between the firm’s capital partners at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Mr Martinez has been hailed as ‘a giant of the Australian legal profession’, with 26 years of experience as the firm’s managing partner.
HWL Ebsworth chairman Ross Williams has now been appointed acting managing partner.
HWL Ebsworth, Australia’s largest legal partnership, is facing a crisis after its long-standing leader, Juan Martinez, died suddenly of a suspected heart attack aged 64
Earlier this year, Mr. Martinez secured another three years as managing partner after arguing that the firm needed stability in the wake of being targeted by Russia-linked hackers, according to the Australian Financial Statement.
It is also believed that he promised to develop a succession plan because he was concerned that the company was too dependent on his leadership.
Mr Martinez took over as managing partner in 1998, when the firm had one office in Melbourne and was known as Home Wilkinson Lowry
Over the years, he has continued to determine the strategic direction and focus of the company, growing the company through mergers and acquisitions and lateral hires.
Today, HWL Ebsworth employs approximately 1,250 people and 285 partners.
HWLE Chief Strategy Officer Russell Mailler said Martinez was “an invaluable leader” and a great father to his three children.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to Juan’s family, friends and colleagues as they cope with this devastating news,” he said.
Today, HWL Ebsworth employs approximately 1,250 people and 285 partners
A statement from the company said Mr Williams, Mr Mailler and chief operating officer Kris Hopkins would work together to ensure HWL Ebsworth continues to meet the needs of its customers and support their team members during this difficult time.
Mr Mailler said HWL Ebsworth had “a strong and stable leadership team” who had made plans for Mr Martinez’s eventual retirement.
“We are devastated by the loss of Juan, but this is not a crisis, and we will honor Juan’s legacy by ensuring the company continues its extraordinary success into the future,” he said.
Mr. Martinez was a “dynamic leader” who ‘did business ‘in a completely different way than our big brothers in the industry’.