Austin, Texas-based IPA 200 firm Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP (FY24 net revenue of $47 million) has announced that Lesley Hargraves will assume the role of leading partner in January 2027. She will succeed Kyle Parks following a planned year-long leadership transition.
Lesley Hargraves
Hargraves joined Maxwell Locke & Ritter in 2009 as a member of the audit team. She was admitted as partner in 2017 and most recently served as audit practice leader. Over the next year, Hargraves and Parks will work together to support a seamless transition for clients and team members.
“I’m honored to step into the role of Leading Partner and grateful for the trust the partner group and the firm have placed in me,” Hargraves said. “ML&R has been home for much of my career, and I’m excited to help lead the firm into its next chapter alongside such a talented and committed team.”
“Lesley is an exceptional leader who truly embodies the values ML&R was built on,” said Parks. “Her deep experience, commitment to our people, and strong relationships with clients make her the right person to lead the firm into its next chapter. This planned transition allows us to continue building on our momentum while staying focused on long-term growth and service excellence.”
Founded in 1991, Maxwell Locke & Ritter employs more than 170 professionals across offices in Austin and Round Rock, as well as remote team members nationwide. The firm provides tax, audit, risk assurance and transaction advisory services.
Hargraves will become the firm’s fourth leading partner and the first woman to hold the role.
