Moray & Agnew is a wellknown Australian law firm headquartered in Sydney, with offices across the nation including Newcastle, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, and Cairns. Established originally in Sydney in 1948, the firm has grown into a national presence offering comprehensive legal services in areas such as insurance law, commercial litigation, construction, property, workplace, and government matters. The Sydney office plays a central role in the firm’s operations and its reputation for highquality legal expertise.
Firm Background and Presence in Sydney
Originally founded as Sydney H Moray & Co, the firm adopted the name Moray & Agnew in 1969. Over the decades, it has expanded significantly while maintaining a strong legal base at its Sydney location on Pitt Street in the central business district. As a Tier 1 ranked firm in fields such as insurance law, medical negligence, and personal injury litigation in Sydney, Moray & Agnew has built a reputation for excellent client service in highstakes cases contentReference[oaicite0].
Practice Areas and Expertise
Moray & Agnew’s Sydney team specializes in several core fields
- Insurance defence and risk management
- Commercial litigation and dispute resolution
- Medical negligence and professional indemnity
- Property and infrastructure law
- Government advisory and regulatory practice
Thematic areas of strength such as workplace health and safety, real property law, and alternative dispute resolution also feature prominently in the firm’s Sydney practices. Many of these practice groups have received national and metropolitan rankings from prestigious legal directories, demonstrating their standing in the market contentReference[oaicite1].
Key Professionals in the Sydney Office
The firm’s Sydney office is supported by a large cohort of national-level partners. Notable Sydney-based partners include Baron Alder, known for professionals’ disciplinary and defamation matters, and Stephanie Bainat, an expert in professional indemnity law contentReference[oaicite2]. In addition to these senior figures, the team includes numerous specialist lawyers and senior associates across insurance, commercial and workplace matters.
Culture and Work Environment
Moray & Agnew promotes a collaborative and supportive working environment, especially highlighted in its Sydney practice. Though employee reviews vary by department, many staff praise the firm’s open culture and high-quality mentorship. On platforms like Glassdoor and Seek, employees frequently highlight strong collegiality, while also noting challenges such as workload pressure and turnover in certain teams contentReference[oaicite3].
Gender Parity and Corporate Values
The firm has made tangible progress on diversity and inclusion. In 2025, Moray & Agnew announced it had more than doubled the number of female partners, reflecting a broader commitment to equality and corporate responsibility. These developments are part of wider initiatives encompassing pro bono work, sustainability practices, and community engagement throughout its Sydney office and other locations contentReference[oaicite4].
Client Service and Market Recognition
Clients trust Moray & Agnew Sydney for both technical legal insight and commercial value. Clients often comment on the firm’s responsiveness, depth of knowledge, and practical approach to solving complex legal problems contentReference[oaicite5]. In national and state-specific rankings, the Sydney office consistently achieves high marks in areas such as insurance law, medical negligence, litigation, and property law contentReference[oaicite6].
Engagement in Major Legal Matters
The firm regularly advises on large-scale matters relating to infrastructure projects, public sector litigation, insurance class actions, and professional indemnity disputes. Moray & Agnew’s Sydney lawyers often appear before courts and tribunals, representing insurers, corporations, professionals, and government clients. Their work frequently involves navigating regulatory complexity and high financial stakes.
How the Sydney Office Operates
While Moray & Agnew is structured around national practice groups rather than separate offices, the Sydney hub is a central strategic location. It coordinates major litigation and insurance advice across jurisdictions. This integrated model means that clients based in Sydney benefit from both local access and the firm’s wider national network.
Why Businesses Choose Moray & Agnew Sydney
- National reach with Metro Tier 1 recognition in Sydney
- Expertise in insurance defence, medical negligence, and litigation
- Strong procedural and commercial understanding in complex disputes
- Collaborative teams focused on client outcomes and risk moderation
- A firm culture that invests in diversity, wellbeing, and ethical practice
Considerations for Employees and Graduates
Prospective employees and graduates considering Moray & Agnew in Sydney should be prepared for high expectations, fast-paced work, and professional development. Many juniors appreciate the learning exposure and mentoring available, though some reviews note that the pace can be intense and departmental experiences vary contentReference[oaicite7]. Candidates are encouraged to explore practicegroup-specific feedback when applying.
Summary
Moray & Agnew in Sydney offers a blend of national stature and local strength. With recognized leadership in insurance, litigation, medical negligence, and property work, the Sydney team delivers strategic and pragmatic advice tailored to commercial realities. Supported by a growing emphasis on diversity and transparent values, the firm’s Sydney office continues to be a leading choice for clients and legal professionals alike seeking sophisticated legal services across Australia.