HWLE Lawyers

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About Us

HWLE is recognised as Australia's largest legal partnership, uniquely positioned with offices in every State and Territory. The firm prides itself on delivering expert legal support without the traditional law firm ego, focusing instead on measurable outcomes that align with client values. With a team exceeding 270 partners and over 1,700 staff, HWLE combines industry experience with comprehensive legal expertise to provide tailored advice for both local and international clients. The firm operates as a national, full-service commercial law practice, offering cross-disciplinary advice across a broad range of industries and sectors. Its capabilities span diverse areas including corporate governance, dispute resolution, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, workplace relations, and more. This broad expertise allows HWLE to meet the complex needs of various clients, from agribusiness and banking to technology and environmental law. Governance at HWLE is led by a Board of Partners, with Kris Hopkins serving as Chief Executive Officer, Russell Mailler as Chief Executive Partner, and Jamie Restas as Chair of the Board, reflecting a strong and contemporary leadership structure. HWLE is also committed to making a positive community impact through its Pro Bono Practice. The firm supports vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, as well as community legal centres, registered charities, and not-for-profit organisations across Australia. Its pro bono work is conducted in partnership with these bodies, addressing a range of legal issues from disability law and victim compensation to consumer law and retirement village contracts. HWLE consistently meets national pro bono targets, contributing close to 40,000 hours annually, with a focus on enhancing access to justice, particularly in regional and remote communities. HWLE's approach to legal services is founded on innovation, agility, and a client-centred mindset, aiming to redefine the traditional law firm model by prioritising expertise and client outcomes.

Practice Areas

Commercial Law

Employment Law

Intellectual Property

Litigation & Disputes

Specialisations

Estate Planning

Our Wills and Estates team brings extensive experience in crafting personalised estate and business succession plans tailored to individual client needs. We provide comprehensive guidance across wills, trusts, powers of attorney, guardianship, superannuation, and tax implications, ensuring your affairs are managed according to your wishes. Whether establishing testamentary trusts or preparing enduring powers of attorney, we focus on protecting your assets and facilitating smooth transitions in capacity or upon death. We also assist executors and administrators with obtaining probate or grants on intestacy, including matters involving overseas assets and complex estate disputes. Our experience covers a broad range of issues such as contested estates, delayed administration, statutory wills, and multi-jurisdictional challenges. Acting in significant court cases, we support clients through rigorous processes to safeguard their interests and achieve favourable outcomes.

Intellectual Property

With extensive experience advising clients across diverse industries, HWLE provides practical solutions for complex intellectual property disputes. Their work includes guiding pharmaceutical companies through patent disputes, supporting television networks in protecting broadcast content and trade marks, and assisting global software suppliers with copyright infringement claims. They are also versed in handling matters related to registered designs and trade mark infringement, ensuring robust protection of clients’ commercial assets. HWLE’s expertise extends to advising multinational corporations on a wide range of IP issues, including patent claims involving industrial methods, as well as addressing breaches of confidentiality and misleading conduct. Their experience in Federal and Supreme Court proceedings includes managing cases involving copyright licensing for advertising campaigns and taking action against former employees for misuse of confidential information, demonstrating a comprehensive capability in safeguarding clients’ proprietary interests.