HWL Ebsworth Lawyers Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

HWL Ebsworth Lawyers has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to legal excellence, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers provides comprehensive commercial legal services across Australia, leveraging a deep understanding of client needs and market dynamics to deliver impactful solutions.

Leadership Roles at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kris Hopkins
  • Chief Executive Officer & Partner - Russell Mailler
  • Chief Information Officer - Sam Sofianos
  • Chief People Officer - Anu Briggs
  • Kris Hopkins - Chief Executive Officer

    Kris Hopkins, the Chief Executive Officer at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, directs the firm's overarching strategic vision and operational execution. This leadership role involves guiding the company's expansion across its multiple Australian offices, ensuring consistent service delivery and adherence to the firm's founding principles. Hopkins focuses on optimizing internal processes to enhance efficiency and client satisfaction, working closely with other senior leaders to align departmental goals with the firm's commercial objectives. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering a culture of legal innovation and professional development, thereby strengthening the firm's market position. By overseeing resource allocation and strategic partnerships, Kris Hopkins drives the firm's sustained growth and commitment to providing full-service commercial law expertise throughout Australia.
    Kris Hopkins

    Russell Mailler - Chief Executive Officer & Partner

    Russell Mailler, the Chief Executive Officer & Partner at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, spearheads the firm's strategic direction and partner engagement. This dual role requires a comprehensive understanding of both operational management and client relationship cultivation across the firm's extensive network of Australian offices. Mailler's focus centers on enhancing the firm's service offerings and ensuring the highest standards of legal practice are maintained. The Chief Executive Officer & Partner actively collaborates with the leadership team to identify new market opportunities and strengthen existing client portfolios. By championing the firm's core values and driving business development initiatives, Russell Mailler ensures HWL Ebsworth Lawyers remains a leading provider of commercial legal services, contributing significantly to the firm's reputation and financial performance.

    Sam Sofianos - Chief Information Officer

    Sam Sofianos, the Chief Information Officer at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, architects and executes the firm's technology strategy, ensuring robust and scalable IT infrastructure across all Australian locations. This critical role involves overseeing the implementation of advanced digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency and client service delivery. Sofianos manages the firm's cybersecurity protocols, safeguarding sensitive client data and maintaining compliance with industry regulations. The Chief Information Officer drives innovation in legal technology, exploring new tools and platforms to streamline workflows and improve collaboration among legal professionals. By directing the IT department's budget and resource allocation, Sam Sofianos ensures that HWL Ebsworth Lawyers maintains a competitive technological edge, supporting the firm's commitment to providing cutting-edge commercial legal services.

    Anu Briggs - Chief People Officer

    Anu Briggs, the Chief People Officer at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, directs the comprehensive human resources strategy, fostering a high-performance culture across the firm's numerous Australian offices. This leadership position involves overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and retention initiatives designed to attract and cultivate top legal talent. Briggs is responsible for implementing progressive HR policies that support employee well-being and professional growth, ensuring alignment with the firm's overarching business objectives. The Chief People Officer champions diversity and inclusion programs, creating an equitable and supportive work environment for all staff. By managing compensation and benefits structures and overseeing employee relations, Anu Briggs plays a pivotal role in strengthening the firm's human capital and reinforcing HWL Ebsworth Lawyers' position as an employer of choice in the legal sector.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding HWL Ebsworth Lawyers Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads HWL Ebsworth Lawyers?
    HWL Ebsworth Lawyers is led by Kris Hopkins (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Russell Mailler (Chief Executive Officer & Partner) and Sam Sofianos (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of HWL Ebsworth Lawyers’s executive team?
    The executive team of HWL Ebsworth Lawyers includes leaders such as Kris Hopkins (Chief Executive Officer), Russell Mailler (Chief Executive Officer & Partner), Sam Sofianos (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does HWL Ebsworth Lawyers have?
    HWL Ebsworth Lawyers has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in HWL Ebsworth Lawyers’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of HWL Ebsworth Lawyers includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Partner, Chief Information Officer, Chief People Officer.