Melbourne, 30 January 2025 – Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Melbourne Managing Partner and Chair of the National Executive at Moray & Agnew, has been recognized as one of the Law Firm Leaders of the Year for Australia and New Zealand. This prestigious accolade was announced in the 2025 edition of Australasian Lawyer and NZ Lawyer, two of the region’s leading independent legal publications.
The annual Law Firm Leaders of the Year list celebrates exceptional legal professionals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to driving their firms to new heights. Papastergiadis’ inclusion on this esteemed list underscores his remarkable contributions to the legal industry and his transformative impact on Moray & Agnew.
A Legacy of Leadership and Growth
Since assuming his role as Managing Partner in 2007, Bill Papastergiadis has spearheaded unprecedented growth for Moray & Agnew. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded from five partners to 30, with staff numbers soaring from 10 to over 200. What was once a traditional insurance firm has evolved into a diversified legal powerhouse, with 50% of its practitioners now specializing in commercial areas such as corporate law, property, construction, government, workplace, and commercial litigation.
Chris Sweeney, Managing Editor for Special Reports at Australasian and NZ Lawyer, highlighted Papastergiadis’ exceptional qualities during the selection process. “The standard of nominees was extremely high, showcasing the depth of talent in the legal industry,” Sweeney remarked. “Mr. Papastergiadis stood out for his visionary leadership, problem-solving skills, and unwavering commitment to his clients and team.”
A Culture of Excellence and Diversity
One of Papastergiadis’ most notable achievements is his dedication to fostering a workplace culture of flexibility, camaraderie, and excellence. His hands-on management style has driven organic growth over the past 18 months, particularly in promoting diversity and inclusion within the firm.
“I strive to be transparent, approachable, and responsible,” Papastergiadis shared. “I believe in treating everyone with respect, especially our younger team members who are more vulnerable. It’s about setting the best example and creating an environment where they can thrive.”
This commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the firm’s demographics. Women now comprise 65% of all staff and 59% of legal professionals at Moray & Agnew, a testament to Papastergiadis’ proactive efforts to support gender equality in the workplace.
A Champion for the Community
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill Papastergiadis is deeply committed to giving back to the community. As President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, he has worked tirelessly to support immigrant communities and preserve cultural heritage. In 2019, his dedication was recognized with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM), one of the nation’s highest honors, for serving the Greek community.
“Supporting our community is a responsibility I hold close to my heart,” Papastergiadis said. “It’s about creating opportunities and fostering connections that enrich lives.”
A Year of Accolades for Moray & Agnew
The recognition of Papastergiadis as a Law Firm Leader of the Year is the latest in a series of accolades for Moray & Agnew. Earlier this year, the firm was featured in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific Directory, a prestigious ranking of Australia’s leading law firms. Moray & Agnew achieved top-tier rankings in multiple practice areas, including Construction, Real Estate, Insurance, Employment, and Dispute Resolution.
The firm’s consistent inclusion in other renowned legal directories, such as Chambers and Doyle’s Guide, further solidifies its reputation as a leader in the legal industry.
Looking Ahead
As Moray & Agnew continues to build on its success, Bill Papastergiadis remains focused on the future. “This recognition is not just about me; it’s a reflection of the incredible team at Moray & Agnew,” he said. “Their dedication and hard work are what drive our success. As we move forward, we are committed to growing our firm and delivering exceptional service to our clients. The future is bright, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”
With a leader like Bill Papastergiadis at the helm, Moray & Agnew is poised to remain at the forefront of the legal industry and set new standards for excellence, diversity, and community engagement.
