Counsel Culture: The Business of Law Podcast

Why are law firm conduct stories making the national headlines?

In this episode of Counsel Culture, Byfield managing director Ben Girdlestone is joined by Julie Norris, partner at Kingsley Napley and a specialist in legal services regulation. 

They discuss why the media is paying closer attention to conduct and culture in law firms, and what firms need to have in place when something goes wrong.

Thank you for listening.

What’s been making headlines in the legal market since September?

In this episode of Counsel Culture, host Linzi Goldthorpe is joined by Byfield Managing Director Ben Girdlestone to round up the biggest stories in the business of law. 

They cover partner exits, the Man City case, and why AI is now top of the agenda for law firm marketing teams.

Thank you for listening.

In this episode of Counsel Culture, Byfield director Alex Novarese sits down with David Morley to talk about life after big law leadership, and what he's seeing now as co-founder of law firm advisory Dejonghe & Morley LLP.

David explains why private capital is coming for the legal sector the same way it hit accountancy a decade ago and why the "regional consolidator" playbook has fallen out of favour with investors.

Thank you for listening.

In the first of a series of guest interviews from the legal and business media, Byfield director Alex Novarese sat down with Non-Billable founder and editor Oliver Attinger to discuss his winding road from Ashurst, via digital marketing to side-hustling his way into launching the increasingly influential legal title.

Oliver unpacks his view of the legal market, what AI will mean for the profession and hints at plans for the newly-hatched Non-Billable. 

We also explore what the title’s development says about the evolving legal media landscape.

Thank you for listening.

In this week’s episode of Counsel Culture the team returns to a question sitting behind many of the biggest stories in politics, business and the legal market: what happens when trust starts to break down?

Linzi Goldthorpe, Ben Girdlestone and Alex Novarese discuss Keir Starmer’s communication challenge, the gap between personal integrity and public perception, and why authenticity can be difficult to project even when the underlying story should be strong.

The episode also looks at the insider trading scandal shaking the legal industry, the role of culture and conduct in reputation, and what...

A firm's values are meant to guide decision-making and lay the foundation for its culture but sometimes they can end up trying to do too many jobs at once. 

In this episode, Linzi speaks to marketing director and consultant Hayley Brooksbank who argues for an evolution: moving from values as statements to behaviours as standards. 

Thank you for listening.

In this episode of Counsel Culture, Linzi and Ben explore the forces reshaping the legal market.

They discuss private equity’s growing influence on firms, the gap between AI ambition and real-world adoption, and new research revealing a stark disconnect between general counsel and the C-suite on legal’s value.

They also reflect on geopolitical uncertainty, insights from the US market, and Byfield’s work supporting former Vodafone franchisees.

Thank you for listening.

Just ahead of International Women's Day, Linzi speaks with Dana Denis-Smith OBE — solicitor, entrepreneur and a leading campaigner for gender equality in the legal profession. Dana is the founder and CEO of Obelisk Support, a legal services business designed to retain experienced lawyers through flexible and remote work, and the founder of the First 100 Years and Next 100 Years projects.  They discuss the progress women have made in law and the structural challenges that still remain. 

Thank you for listening.

 This week, Linzi is joined by Patrick McCann, Chief Executive of the City of London Law Society, to explore what principled leadership looks like in City of London law right now, and how the profession can lead with both profit and purpose. They discuss City Century (solicitor apprenticeships), Patrick’s award-winning LGBTQ+ leadership programme #TheLLP!, and the culture shifts shaping modern firms, from confidence and care to collaboration over competition. 

Read more about: 

City of London Law Society

City Century

DiverCity in Law 

Thank you for listening.

This week, Linzi and Ben unpack claims that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest was triggered by a report based on media coverage compiled by Republic, as the campaign group pushes for a private prosecution of the former royal and questions swirl over the evidential and political backdrop. They also examine Taylor Wessing’s hunt for external investors to back its start-up funding vehicle Outpace, and what it signals about law firms’ growing appetite for alternative capital and tech-enabled growth strategies.

The pair then turn to why mega law firm mergers fall apart – and how much firms...

This week, Linzi is joined by Alex Novarese, former Legal Business Editor and Head of Content and Digital Marketing at HSF Kramer.

The pair discuss the latest RollOnFriday Best Law Firms to Work At 2026 survey, which shows improving morale across the profession despite ongoing frustrations around pay, before turning to Taylor Wessing’s financials, where a £10.3m top-earner figure highlights widening partner pay gaps ahead of the firm’s approved transatlantic merger with Winston & Strawn. They also examine how the Magic Circle firms have performed in recent years, as traditional UK elites face sustained pressure from global compe...

Linzi and Ben explore the growing role of private equity investment within the legal sector and what it could mean for the future shape and ownership of law firms. They also examine the unraveling of a decade-long alliance between four leading European firms, Gide Loyrette Nouel, Chiomenti, Gleiss Lutz and Cuatrecasas, spanning 27 offices and around 2,000 lawyers across the continent.

The pair also discuss how the UK’s merger clearance process is being sped up with government backing and what it means for deal scrutiny, after the CMA blocked no mergers last year. Finally, they look at how so...

Linzi is joined by Georgina Bennett-Warner, Head of Marketing at Wedlake Bell, to unpack what it really takes to deliver a successful law firm rebrand - from recognising the early signs that your brand is no longer fit for purpose to managing the internal change that comes with it.

They explore how Georgina and team built an inclusive branding committee spanning all levels of the firm, the tools and tactics that helped bring people along during the launch, and how Wedlake Bell balanced its heritage with a more modern identity. The conversation also looks at what “bedding in...

This week, Linzi was joined by Michael Estill and Sam Nicholls from Kindleworth to explore why more partners are leaving big law to launch boutique firms — and what it really takes to make a successful spin-out work. Drawing on Kindleworth’s experience supporting dozens of new firm launches, they unpack the motivations behind going independent and the realities partners need to confront before taking the leap.

The conversation also looks at how to assess whether a spin-out is genuinely viable versus moving firms and how Kindleworth’s operational model differs from traditional big law support. The episode closes...

In this week’s episode, Linzi and Ben explore the rise of private equity investment in the legal industry and what it signals for the future of law firm ownership. They also break down A&O Shearman’s first post-merger accounts and discuss just how challenging it is to manage PR around major legal mergers.

The pair also discuss Clifford Chance’s move to cut around 10% of its London business services roles, before turning to the 2025 Budget and the government’s decision to scrap planned national insurance increases for LLP Partners.

Thank you for listening.

In this week’s episode, Linzi and Ben unpack McDermott Will & Schulte’s exploration of outside private equity investment, and the rowdy reception Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp received while discussing the Trump deal at a New York Bar Foundation event. They also dive into news that the Treasury’s proposed tax move on partnerships may be softer than originally feared, and more. 

Thank you for listening.

In this week’s episode, Michael and Eleanor discuss AI law firm Garfield taking on a trainee in Channel 4’s latest experiment, the rise of a New York-based law firm operating fully remotely without associates and powered by AI, new moves toward greater tax regulation transparency, the FCA’s decision to take on responsibility for anti-money laundering in the legal sector, the court transparency pilot, and more. 

Thank you for listening.

Exciting news! Our Associate Director, Linzi, will be hosting the podcast going forward, bringing insights and conversations from across the legal industry. 

In this week’s episode, Linzi is joined by Joint Managing Director Ben to discuss law firms pushing back on the latest lawmaker letters, the impact that AI has had on big law’s C-Suite, Setfords receiving private equity backing and the impact it’s had, the latest ALM 200 results, and more. 

If you'd like to read any of the stories mentioned in today's episode, the links are below: 

https://www.thelawyer...

This week, Ben is joined by Account Director Eleanor to explore Clifford Chance’s recent rebrand, reflect on how Charlie Kirk’s passing highlights the risks for lawyers sharing views online, and discuss whether the UK legal market still exists. 

Thank you for listening.

This week Joint Managing Directors Ben and Michael discuss the FT Innovative Lawyers Awards and supplement, the UK's £31 billion tech deal with the US, Mishcon de Reya's new strategy and what Charlie Kirk's passing might mean for the legal sector.

Thank you for listening.

This week, Olivia speaks with Byfield Joint Managing Director Ben Girdlestone about the latest shifts in the legal industry, from four-day office policies and Addleshaw Goddard’s pay freeze to concerns over inflated billable hours and Burford Capital’s move to buy into US law firms. 

Thank you for listening.

This week, Olivia is joined by Habiba Cullen-Jafar, Senior Reporter at Law.com International, to discuss her beat and what makes a compelling legal story. Their conversation also explores US law firms expanding into London, how their profitability compares to UK counterparts, and the latest trends shaping lateral hiring.

Thank you for listening.

This week, Olivia is joined by Joint Managing Director Michael Evans to explore law firm profit announcements, the changing landscape of bonus systems, the rise of UK class action values to £155 billion despite fewer filings, the Law Society’s taxpayer-funded push into the US, and the leadership changes at Pogust Goodhead following the appointment of a new management team.

Thank you for listening.

This week, Olivia is joined by Ben to explore why private equity partners in New York are making fewer moves despite an uptick in lateral market activity - and what this might signal for the sector. The conversation then turns to Rod Stewart’s AI-powered tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, examining how technology continues to blur the lines between performance, nostalgia, and intellectual property. They also dive into a remarkable Las Vegas inheritance dispute, where two women - both married to the same bigamist on the same street - are now battling over his fortune. 

As mentioned in the...

This week, Olivia is joined by Eleanor and Ben to discuss Clifford Chance’s openness to M&A and private equity investment and what this signals for the future of law firm ownership. They also look at the rise of disputes boutique Quillon, which has generated £10 million in revenue over four years. The episode also explores Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron's defamation claim against a right-wing podcaster and the legal implications of City trader Tom Hayes’ successful appeal against his libor-rigging conviction. They round off the episode with highlights from Law.com’s Top 10 AI blunders, reflecting on what they reveal...

For our 100th episode of Counsel Culture, Olivia speaks with Melinda Wallman, Chair and Global Practice Leader at Macrae, about how the rise of private capital is transforming legal recruitment. They explore the contrasting dynamics between the US and UK markets, and delve into Melinda’s perspectives on why private capital has become such a sought-after area for hiring, what firms are prioritising, and how this shift is reshaping legal career paths.

Thank you for listening.

This week, Olivia is joined by William Peake, Global Managing Partner at Harneys. They sit down to discuss William’s career journey and what shaped his path to leadership, as well as the vital role law firm leaders play in shaping the day-to-day culture of their firms. William also shares how he built a large and engaged audience on LinkedIn and what kind of content resonates most with his followers. The conversation also explores the often-underestimated role of middle managers in maintaining a positive and productive workplace culture. 

Thank you for listening.

With regular host Olivia taking a well-earned break, Ben is joined by Byfield Account Director Eleanor Dean to cover a range of key topics - from the toughest UK graduate job market since 2018 and the growing shift towards non-equity partnerships, to Alvarez and Marsal launching a UK lawyer arm and US firm Michelman & Robinson setting up shop in London. 

Thank you for listening.

This week, Olivia is joined by special guest, Professor Stephen Mayson, Lead, Independent Review of Legal Services Regulation (England & Wales); professor of law; independent non-executive chair, director and advisor; Bencher, Lincoln’s Inn. Byfield Founder Gus Sellitto also joins the discussion. 

They discuss Stephen's career as well as the Institute of Business Ethics report. The findings from the report they discuss include the importance of public interest when taking on new clients, the effectiveness of the SRA's regulations, how to align law firm's interests with the public's interests and more. 

Thank you for liste...

This week, Olivia is joined by Clare Murray, Managing Partner at CM Murray and Chair of the CLSC Communications Committee. They explore the origins of CM Murray, how the firm has evolved over the years, and what sets it apart. The conversation also covers the upcoming IFSEA conference, including its guest speakers and the key topics on the agenda. Clare also shares insights into her role as Chair of the Communications Committee for the City of London Solicitors’ Company. In addition, she reflects on her experience as a specialist advisor to the Women and Equalities Select Committee during its en...

This week Olivia is joined by Joint Managing Director Michael Evans to discuss Trump's executive orders facing a wave of legal actions, a businessman receiving a restraining order for his continued pursuit of a law firm, law firms trying to distance themselves from the phrase 'Magic Circle' and which law firms advise the biggest private equity clients in the UK and Europe.

Thank you for listening.

With Olivia taking a well-earned break, Byfield's Joint Managing Directors, Ben and Michael, take the reins for this week’s episode of Counsel Culture. They delve into the UK–US trade deal, the possible merger between McDermott and Schulte, law firms linked to Trump-era deals, and Law.com’s latest rankings of rising women stars in the legal industry. 

Thank you for listening.

In this episode, Olivia is joined by Joint Managing Director Michael Evans to discuss the  latest developments shaping the legal landscape on both sides of the Atlantic. From Donald Trump’s ongoing influence on Big Law to the growing ESG divide between UK and US firms, they explore how politics, regulation, and culture are driving change. They also dive into new research revealing that corporate clients are now actively pushing law firms to adopt AI and examine why a surprising number of in-house lawyers are heading back to private practice.

Thank you for listening.

This week we share part two of Olivia's discussion with special guest Guy Beringer CBE, KC (Hon), former Senior Partner at Allen & Overy and Chair of the Task Force on Business Ethics and the Legal Profession. Byfield Founder Gus Sellitto also joined the conversation.

In this episode they continue their discussion on the new Institute of Business Ethics report- a review of how solicitors in England & Wales handle client acceptance in the context of kleptocracy, state capture, and grand corruption. They examine the report's recommendations, the role of public trust and PR, and why engagement with civil...

This week on Counsel Culture, Olivia is joined by special guest Guy Beringer CBE, KC (Hon), former Senior Partner at Allen & Overy and Chair of the Task Force on Business Ethics and the Legal Profession. Byfield Founder, Gus Sellitto, also joined the episode. Together, they discuss the new Institute of Business Ethics report—a review of how solicitors in England & Wales handle client acceptance in the context of kleptocracy, state capture, and grand corruption.

In part one, they explore how these issues manifest in the legal sector, the profession’s responsibility to uphold transparency, and what ethical prac...

This week, Olivia welcomes Joint Managing Director Michael Evans for a discussion on how law firms are responding to Trump’s impact on the legal industry, the revenue growth of Orrick and Simpson Thacher, the Legal Services Board’s criticism of the SRA, and the BBC’s latest legal drama. 

Thank you for listening.

This week, Olivia is joined by Joint Managing Director Ben Girdlestone to discuss the latest updates on Trump’s ongoing battle with big law, including his recent executive order against WilmerHale. They also cover the news that Linklaters is on track to meet its gender diversity targets with the promotion of 34 new partners.

Thank you for listening.

 This week Olivia is joined by Michael Evans, Joint Managing Director at Byfield, to discuss Trump targeting Paul Weiss, firms cutting diversity wording, HSF being fined for sanctions breaches and K&E revenues. 

To read the stories covered in this week's episode, visit the below links:

https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-fines-unit-law-firm-herbert-smith-freehills-breaching-russia-sanctions-2025-03-20/ - UK fines law firm Herbert Smith Freehill’s unit for Russia sanctions breach

https://www.thelawyer.com/trump-targets-third-law-firm-as-paul-weiss-loses-security-clearances/  - Trumps Targets third law firm s Paul Weiss Loses security clearances

https://www.thelawyer.com/nine-firms-cut-diversity-wording-after-trump-probe/ - Nin...

Counsel Culture is excited to introduce its new host, Olivia Adam! Olivia, a Senior Account Executive, has been with Byfield for six months and previously worked as a journalist at the International Financial Law Review.

In her first episode, Olivia is joined by Joint Managing Director Ben Girdlestone to discuss key legal industry headlines. They explore a judge’s temporary block of Trump’s executive order that threatened a major law firm, the surge in US law firms expanding into London and its impact on job moves, and reports that Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds could face...

This week Meg is joined by Joint Managing Director Michael Evans to discuss the first US firm financial results, as well as Freshfields' LLP accounts, and best practice in releasing the financials.

Thank you for listening.