HWLE consultant and former Partner Richard Giles has received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division, awarded for service to the community of the Northern Territory. This recognition reflects nearly fifty years of Richard’s work, and the lasting impact this has had on countless lives in the community.

Based in Darwin, Richard was admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory in 1980, and has since held senior roles across the legal profession (including as a Sessional Member of the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal and a Member of Disciplinary Tribunal, respectively) and the not-for-profit sector. Alongside a distinguished legal career, including as Managing Partner of Cridlands, which merged with HWLE in 2014, he has provided leadership to organisations such as Anglicare NT, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Charles Darwin University (as its Honorary Lawyer and a Companion), the Royal Darwin Hospital Management Board, YMCA NT and the Law Society of the Northern Territory. His work has helped to strengthen governance and professional institutions across the Territory and left a lasting impact on its community.

Cassandra Emmett, HWLE Partner and Head of the firm’s Darwin office, said “Richard’s achievements both as a lawyer and across his extraordinary community contributions reflect a deep commitment to helping Northern Territorian institutions thrive. This honour is a fitting and well-deserved recognition of his level of service, which spans over nearly half a century, and our Darwin team are proud to see his hard work recognised.”

Kris Hopkins, HWLE CEO, said, “Richard has led a distinguished career, and I’m delighted to see his longstanding contributions to the legal profession and beyond in the Northern Territory recognised through the award of an Order of Australia Medal.”

HWLE congratulates Richard on this outstanding and thoroughly deserved recognition, reflecting an impactful and highly respected career.

Note to Editors:

HWLE is the largest legal partnership in Australia. The firm comprises 2,018, staff including 279 Partners, 1,231 other legal staff and 508 support staff across offices in nine locations. HWLE is an independent, nationally integrated, full service commercial law firm that provides clients with valuable legal solutions and commercial clarity. Our low ratio of solicitors to partners ensures that our clients receive optimal access to partner resources for all matters.

For further information, please contact:

Sally Bariol, Public Relations Specialist (02) 9138 2308 or sbariol@hwle.com.au

Angelique Kear, Head of Marketing (02) 9334 8541 or akear@hwle.com.au