Commins Hendriks’ new CEO ready for next challenge at Riverina’s largest law firm
Riverina’s largest law firm has welcomed a new generation of leadership while recognising the remarkable career of its retiring chief executive officer who leaves the role after almost two decades.
Commins Hendriks Solicitors has announced Stacy Moses will take over as its new CEO after the retirement of Phillip McIntosh.
Ms Moses said she was delighted to lead a law firm which has more than 100 years of history in the Riverina and looked forward to the challenges of growing a business which continues to evolve within strong regional communities.
Commins Hendriks has seven offices across the Riverina, with a newly established Griffith office opening this month; and in 2017 extended its reach to the national capital with a Canberra office opening which continues to grow.
“Growing up in the Riverina and having strong ties to the Coolamon area has always given me a great appreciation for regional centres and the people who live in them,” Ms Moses said.
“I spent a number of years practising law in Sydney but when the opportunity to return to the area brought me closer to home with my young family, I took it, and I haven’t looked back.
“Commins Hendriks has given me the chance to take the next step in my legal career. To be involved with a time-honoured firm that is well-known and respected by many family generations across the region is a great privilege.
“Phil leaves a huge legacy at the business and the work he has done across two decades to grow it into the firm it is today is an amazing achievement – he has laid a solid path for our business to follow. I’m ready for the challenge and looking forward to working with our people to continue that journey.”
Ms Moses comes to Commins Hendriks after many years practising in a global immigration law firm, leadership roles in aged care within the Riverina region and most recently as Director of Planning and Community Development at Junee Shire Council.
“There have been many achievements over the time,” Mr McIntosh said.
“We’ve always maintained our regional values and backed that with our professional approach to always put our clients first.
“Our Free Legal Clinic service is proof of that too. We started the concept 15 years ago and have provided countless free consultations to community members needing all sorts of legal advice. It was an innovation which has been tested over time and proven to be a real community asset.
“Our graduate program was another highlight. It was a privilege to be able to give promising lawyers their start in the profession and watch them grow.”
Mr McIntosh also recognised some of the local identities he worked with, including the late Bill Thompson and former director Rob Stone.
“Bill was an icon in the profession. He was so well respected in the community, particularly in his hometown at Coolamon, and such a great advocate for rural industry and business – he loved working for the country people he represented and giving back to the community,” Mr McIntosh said.
“Rob left us to take a position as a local magistrate – both lawyers have given so much to the legal profession, along with other great mentors here at Commins Hendriks.”
Mr McIntosh also recognised the six-person board of directors at Commins Hendriks included four female lawyers, all who took their opportunities while working with the firm to grow and progress as leaders within the profession.
Commins Hendriks director John Potter recognised the firm was ready for its next stage under new leadership and paid tribute to Mr McIntosh for his commitment and service.
“This is a significant change for us, no doubt. Phil has been here almost 20 years and his contribution to our business and his relationship with the wider community through his charity work has been invaluable,” Mr Potter said.
“CEO succession is more than a changing of the guard—it is an opportunity for our business to grow and evolve, and we look forward to working with Stacy and taking those steps into the future.”