The All Blacks rugby brand have developed a powerful international brand that is globally recognized, but it has also led to others building on the success of the All Blacks’ playbook – particularly in the case of Australian-based legal company HPX Group.
HPX Group is breaking the more traditional law firm mold with it growth and strategy.
CEO Nick Humphrey, (pictured left) is leading the charge at HPX Group, including its flagship law practice Hamilton Locke.
He explained to the Australian Financial Review how the firm has borrowed culture-building tactics from both the All Blacks and from elite athletes.
The firm has continued to expand its reach both through lateral hires and key acquisitions, including new active divisions and its expansion into New Zealand in 2022.
Rapid Growth through Innovation
As HPX Group forges ahead in its sector, it has announced plans to add a cyber advisory arm in the upcoming year.
The group has reported an impressive $79 million in billings, a 59 percent year-on-year increase, with most of this growth being organic, despite recent acquisitions including infrastructure specialists Morrissey and New Zealand’s Anderson Creagh Lai.
Diversification as a Growth Strategy
Since its inception six years ago, HPX (formerly Halo Group Holdings) has consistently expanded its portfolio.
It now encompasses a range of services including outsourced legal counsel (Source), company secretariat service (Emerson CoSec), and intellectual property specialists (MacMillan Trademarks). This diversification is a clear indicator of HPX’s commitment to offering a comprehensive suite of legal services.
In a strategic move, HPX has delayed its initial public offering (IPO), choosing to wait for a more favorable market environment.
Humphrey clarifies that the IPO aims to raise capital, not serve as an exit strategy, indicating the firm’s long-term commitment to growth and stability.
Culture and Leadership
Humphrey’s unconventional approach to leadership and firm culture has been interesting since he left his role at global law firm K&L Gates.
He implemented radical techniques for leadership development and team-building, drawing inspiration from his own experiences as a leadership manual author – along with the use the All Blacks and top athlete examples.
Employee Ownership: A Game-Changer
In a move that echoes startup culture more than traditional law firm structure, all HPX employees hold shares in the business.
The ownership approach not only fosters a sense of ownership among the staff but also drives an extraordinary level of dedication and effort to help propel the firm into new areas, build collegiate support and foster initiative and effort.
Humphrey considered the resilience of the Australian professional services sector, especially compared to its counterparts in the UK and US.
He pointed to out the variability in economic activity across different sectors and states within Australia, with some areas booming while others face challenges.
Major Deals and Long-term Client Relationships
Underpinning HPX’s success are several high-profile deals, such as the Primewest float and the CIMIC-Thiess demerger.
Humphrey emphasizes the importance of long-term journeys with founders and entrepreneurs, helping them raise capital and find suitable leadership, showcasing HPX’s commitment to fostering enduring client relationships.
Under Humphrey, the HPX Group is both expanding its footprint, but also redefining what a law firm is in the modern age, blending sports strategies with business and legal acument to create a new-age legal enterprise.
