Global CEO Excellence Awards 2020

32 CEO MONTHLY / GLOBAL CEO EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2020 , Mid-Size Law FirmCEO of the Year (Australia): MarkWiggins The legal industry is one that many people begin and end their careers in, having dedicated their entire lives towards helping people make their lives better without being in a courtroom. However, that is not the story of Mark Wiggins, CEO of Australian mid-sized law firm, Hall Payne Lawyers. Whilst his journey to get to where he is may be an unconventional one in the world of law, his message of ‘People Matter’ could not be more clear-cut and exceptional. It has steered his journey in all the right ways, and made him into one of the finest leaders and people managers working in the industry today. Mr Wiggins spent twenty six years working in Australia’s banking industry, priding himself on delivering exceptional customer The law should work for everyone, and demonstrate just howmuch people matter. That is one of the core beliefs of Hall Payne Lawyers, a plaintiff lawfirmthat representsmany organisations and their members, specialising in personal injuries, and industrial and employment law. At the head of this marvellous mid-size lawfirm is CEOMarkWiggins, whose mantra of ‘People Matter’ has seenhimbecome one of the finest leaders in the legal industry. Joinus aswe examine the success of this superb CEO. Mar20028 service at every turn. Following a successful career in banking, Mr Wiggins then went on to pursue his dream of running his own business as a management and finance consultant. Mr Wiggins achieved that dream, and successfully ran his own business until one of his corporate clients asked him to join them as their business manager. After working with this manufacturing company, Mr Wiggins then returned to banking. Unfortunately, it was not a happy return. However, every cloud has a silver lining, and Mr Wiggins was asked by his legal representatives to work for them as their practice manager. So, his time in legal had begun. It was to be the start of a fantastic journey, where Mr Wiggins would affect all manner of change and growth in the legal industry. Now, having stepped into the role of CEO of a larger firm in Brisbane, Mr Wiggins is more committed than ever to his principle of ‘People Matter’, helping individuals grow and expand as he himself has. Now, Hall Payne Lawyers is a force to be reckoned with in the legal sector, and operates with a very strong social conscience, believing that all workers have the inalienable right to a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, and have the right to return home to their families every day. Mr Wiggins and his entire staff work tirelessly to give even more in their spare time, especially to those who either have no access or limited access to legal representation. The lawyers at Hall Payne Lawyers work in community legal offices in every place where it has an office. These groups work to help the LGBT+ community, women’s legal groups, domestic violence and refugee groups, and so many others. Upon Mr Wiggins’ arrival in 2018, his leadership style has done wonders for the staff at the firm in reaffirming their worth to the business. Mr Wiggins takes the time to ensure that every staff member, including partners, knows that they are valued members of the team and that they matter, both as staff and as people. Through ongoing conversations, this excellent leader gets to know his team, and what is important to them. If it is important to them, it is critical to Mr Wiggins. With a style that is very flat, Mr Wiggins sees himself very much as a facilitator, enabling his staff to do their job with fulfilment whilst providing clients with the best possible experience. As any good leader knows, without their staff, there is not a business to run. So, Mr Wiggins takes great pride in telling his receptionist and legal support staff that they are crucial to the running of Hall Payne Lawyers. With such a sagacious and people- focused leader at the helm, there is no reason why Hall Payne Lawyers cannot grow to become a truly national firm with offices in every major Australian city. To achieve that, Mr Wiggins knows that there must be solid foundations, and a business model that can be replicated. From a personal standpoint, Mr Wiggins himself aspires to lead the firm to a point where his role is almost redundant; a point where Hall Payne Lawyers can function without his direct involvement, so that each person in every position knows their duties. With Mr Wiggins at the fore, there is no reason that point is unachievable. Company: Hall Payne Lawyers Contact: MarkWiggins Website: www.hallpayne.com.au