Moray & Agnew Lawyers Melbourne, headed by Melbourne Managing Partner Bill Papastergiadis, recently held its highly anticipated End-of-Year client celebration. This marked a successful conclusion to the year for this preeminent law firm.
The event also marked Mr Papastergiadis’ recent appointment as Chairman of the firm’s National Executive which involves him, along with other members of the National Executive, leading the strategic vision and direction of the national firm’s future. The firm now boasts over 800 employees nationally across seven offices throughout the country.
Held at Alto Event Space at Melbourne’s historic GPO building, the event was attended by distinguished clients, legal professionals, and industry leaders. This year’s event also featured two high profile guest speakers, Bill Shorten MP and Colin Brooks MP, Minister for Development Victoria, Minister for Precincts and Minister for Creative Industries.
In his engaging and insightful speech, Mr Shorten spoke on a range of topics from the beginnings of his political career through to his recent appointment as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra, as well as how the recent US election may impact the political landscape in Australia.
Mr Shorten, who has held prominent roles in the past, including leader of the Australian Labor Party and the Leader of the Opposition, also proudly spoke about his personal connection to the local Greek community, acknowledging its contributions to Australia, especially in areas including business, culture, and the economy. Mr Shorten noted that he regularly attends events where Mr Papastergiadis is also present in his role as the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne.
“Bill is an enthusiastic and articulate leader in our State wearing a number of hats which include law, football, and Community matters. Our exchanges are always constructive and productive,” Mr Shorten noted.
In an equally thoughtful and dynamic speech, Mr Brooks shared his insights from his experience in his current portfolios in areas including community services, housing, and social policy. He noted that he met Mr Papastergiadis in his role as the Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission and stated “that investing in multiculturalism is a fundamental building block for Victoria’s continued prosperity.”
Mr Brooks added, “It is the concerted effort and diligence of persons such as Bill Papastergiadis in their community work that helps solidify the social fabric of our society.”
Mr Brooks went on to talk through the strategy of the current Housing Platform of the Allen State Government. He discussed how the government is encouraging the construction of more housing in the areas where people grew up in. The Minister emphasised the importance of policies that take into account the intrinsic value to society of different generations living in the same neighbourhood, and the cohesion this brings to society and families.
On the night, Mr Papastergiadis expressed heartfelt thanks to Moray & Agnew’s clients for their continued support throughout the year.
“This event is a chance for us to express our appreciation for our clients and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you,” he said.
“We are also proud to have had Mr Shorten and Mr Brooks attend this event and for sharing their insights with us. This event not only allows us to show our appreciation, but it also provides us all with an invaluable opportunity to hear from leading voices in Australia.”
As part of the celebration, Mr Papastergiadis highlighted some key achievements of the firm over the past year, including its significant growth. The firm’s Melbourne office now boasts over 200 staff including 30 partners and has been rated as one of the fastest growing law firms in Victoria for a number of years.
The appointment of eight new partners and their teams in the past 18 months alone extended the firm’s services to include mining, renewable energy, marine insurance, and franchising and opens up a number of new jurisdictions for its practices.
Mr Papastergiadis concluded by emphasising that connections across one’s personal life and in commerce are critical to success, stating “Moray & Agnew brings together our clients with the aim of forging stronger relationships at all levels of our interactions such that outcomes are achieved to the clients’ satisfaction.”
