Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with James Hacking, Co-founder and CEO of Kindleworth LLP. The conversation explores how and why top lawyers are choosing to launch their own firms, the realities behind law firm startups, and how the legal market is evolving. They also discuss private equity in law, the role of technology, and why specialisation and independence are becoming more attractive in today’s legal landscape.

James Hacking is Co-founder and CEO of Kindleworth LLP, a consultancy that helps launch and manage law fi...

In this episode of Beyond Billables, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Tom Cassels, Senior Partner at Linklaters, about how top litigators build and sustain successful careers. The conversation explores Tom’s unconventional path into law, the evolution of complex litigation, and how the profession is changing with funding models and AI. The episode also focuses on the human side of legal practice, including client relationships, leadership, and building strong teams.

Tom Cassels is a Senior Litigation partner at Linklaters, specialising in high stakes disputes, public law, and competition litigation. He began his career at Baker Mc...

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Paul Thwaite, Senior Partner at Stephenson Harwood LLP. The conversation explores Paul’s journey from a non-academic background into law, his long career at a single firm, and his transition into leadership. They discuss what makes a successful law firm partner today, how the role has changed over time, and the growing complexity of legal practice. The episode also covers leadership challenges, lateral hiring success, firm culture, and the future impact of AI and private equity on the legal industry.

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In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney interviews Darryl Cooke, Founder and Executive Chair of gunnercooke, a next-generation law firm that has grown to 16 offices across the US, Austria, Germany, Scotland, and England. Darryl shares his unconventional journey into law and how frustration with traditional law firm leadership pushed him to build a more flexible, entrepreneurial model that empowers lawyers to run their own practices while still collaborating within a shared firm structure.

Darryl Cooke also discusses gunnercooke’s rapid growth to more than 600 professionals worldwide and how the fi...

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Mike Francies about a remarkable legal career built across some of the world’s leading firms. From serving as Managing Partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP for over two decades, to now being a Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Mike reflects on leadership, private equity growth, and the evolution of global law firms. The conversation explores what it takes to build a top tier practice, lead through change, and stay relevant across different phases of a long career.

Mike has wo...

In this episode of Beyond Billables, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Richard Medd, Managing Partner at Browne Jacobson LLP, a leading UK law firm. Richard shares his journey from a corporate lawyer to managing partner, highlighting the firm’s growth and transformation over the years. He discusses leadership, the importance of ownership, and how to foster a one-firm culture as the firm expands. The conversation also covers the challenges and opportunities of recruiting laterals and the role of AI and external investments in shaping the future of law firms.

Richard Medd has been with Browne Jacobson LLP fo...

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Kirsten Hewson, Chair of Shoosmiths, the UK-founded full-service law firm with a growing international reach. Kirsten shares her journey from training at a local authority to becoming a planning specialist, partner, divisional leader, and now Chair of the firm.

Kirsten began her career in local government before moving into private practice, joining Shoosmiths as an associate around seven years qualified. Over time, she led the planning team, ran the real estate division, served on the elected partnership council, and...

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Aster Crawshaw, Senior Partner of Addleshaw Goddard. Aster shares his journey from studying history at university to leading a major international law firm with 21 offices across 16 jurisdictions. He reflects on his early career in private practice and in-house at EY, his path into partnership, and the experience of standing in a contested senior partner election.

He specialises in advising professional services firms on mergers, structuring and strategic transactions. Having worked both in private practice and in-house at EY Global, he...

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks to Dr. Sandie Okoro OBE, Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and previously Group General Counsel of Standard Chartered and also Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the World Bank. Dr. Sandie shares her inspiring journey from law student to a leading figure in international finance and her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and mentoring. They discuss leadership, career progression, and the importance of authenticity in becoming a successful leader.

Dr. Sandie Okoro has had an exceptional career as a lawyer...

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Emma Slatter, Chief Officer - Legal, Regulatory and Compliance at Visa. Emma shares her journey from private practice at Slaughter and May to a 20 year career at Deutsche Bank, and then to Visa, where she joined just weeks before a major payments outage.

Emma Slatter began her legal career at Slaughter and May before moving in-house to Morgan Grenfell, which was later absorbed into Deutsche Bank. Over two decades at Deutsche, she held a range of senior roles, including...

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Vicky Wickremeratne, senior employment partner at Simmons & Simmons. The conversation explores what it really takes to build a successful legal career across private practice and in-house roles. Vicky shares her non linear career journey, the skills that matter most for partners, and how relationship building, adaptability, and self awareness shape long term success in the law.

Vicky Wick built a broad career across private practice and senior in-house roles, including working in London and Hong Kong. Her experience spans major...

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Jeanette Burgess, Managing Partner at Walker Morris, one of the UK’s leading independent law firms. Jeanette shares her career journey from aspiring police officer to leading a top firm, offering candid insights into her time in-house, her return to private practice, and her transition into law firm leadership. She discusses the real challenges of partnership, the impact of AI on the legal sector, and the importance of resilience, curiosity, and communication in sustaining a legal career.

Jeanette Burgess ha...

In this special episode of Beyond Billables, host Stephen Rodney steps outside the usual realm of law firm partners to sit down with a senior King’s Counsel, Jeff Chapman KC. With decades of experience at the top of the commercial bar, Jeff brings a wealth of insight into what it takes to succeed as a KC in today’s complex legal landscape. The conversation explores Jeff’s professional journey, the evolution of the barristers' profession, and the role of leadership, preparation, and purpose in delivering legal excellence.

Jeff Chapman KC is a leading commercial barrister at Founta...

In this episode of Beyond Billables, host Stephen Rodney interviews Joanne Owen, Global Co-Head of the Real Estate Sector at DLA Piper. Joanne shares his career journey, leadership insights, and what it takes to be a successful law firm partner. With over 20 years of experience in law, Joanne talks about his transition from DLA to Proskauer and back, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Joanne's experience spans multiple continents and legal environments, including both UK and US law firms. He offers a candid view on the challenges and rewards of lateral moves, the importance of...

In this episode of Beyond Billables, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Stéphane Lemarchand, Partner at DLA Piper in Paris, to explore what it truly means to build a successful and sustainable legal career at the top of the profession. With over 25 years of experience in IT and digital transformation law, Stéphane shares his journey from a curious law student to a globally respected partner and leader. This conversation dives into the evolving legal landscape, the importance of building teams, and how true leadership goes beyond individual billing to influence, integrity, and impact.

Stéphane Lem...

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Julian Stait, co-managing Partner and Head of the London Litigation & Arbitration team at Milbank. Julian shares his remarkable career journey, from his early days as a litigator to leading one of Europe’s top dispute resolution teams. With over 30 years of experience, Julian discusses the skills and attributes required to succeed as a partner, the evolution of law firm management, and the role of empathy and integrity in leadership.

Julian reflects on his transition from a litigator to a partner an...

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Julian Stait, co-managing Partner and Head of the London Litigation & Arbitration team at Milbank. Julian shares his remarkable career journey, from his early days as a litigator to leading one of Europe’s top dispute resolution teams. With over 30 years of experience, Julian discusses the skills and attributes required to succeed as a partner, the evolution of law firm management, and the role of empathy and integrity in leadership.

Julian reflects on his transition from a litigator to a partner an...

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Julian Stait, co-managing Partner and Head of the London Litigation & Arbitration team at Milbank. Julian shares his remarkable career journey, from his early days as a litigator to leading one of Europe’s top dispute resolution teams. With over 30 years of experience, Julian discusses the skills and attributes required to succeed as a partner, the evolution of law firm management, and the role of empathy and integrity in leadership.

Julian reflects on his transition from a litigator to a partner an...

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Julian Stait, co-managing Partner and Head of the London Litigation & Arbitration team at Milbank. Julian shares his remarkable career journey, from his early days as a litigator to leading one of Europe’s top dispute resolution teams. With over 30 years of experience, Julian discusses the skills and attributes required to succeed as a partner, the evolution of law firm management, and the role of empathy and integrity in leadership.

Julian reflects on his transition from a litigator to a partner an...

In this episode of Beyond Billables, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Clare Murray, Managing Partner at CM Murray LLP, to explore what it really takes to build a successful legal practice. From founding her firm after a life-changing health event to leading with vision and heart, Clare shares candid insights into the inner workings of partnership culture, law firm leadership, and the evolving legal landscape. This conversation is a deep dive into how collaboration, accountability, and strategic thinking define success in modern legal practice.

Clare Murray is the founding partner of CM Murray LLP, a UK-based...

In this episode of Beyond Billables, host Stephen Rodney speaks with David Stewart, Managing Director at Coriats Trust Company Limited. From his early legal roots in London to his transformative leadership at Olswang and current work with high-net-worth clients in the Turks and Caicos, David reflects on the dynamics of partnership, leadership, and building a successful career in law. This conversation offers a candid and insightful look at the evolution of law firm culture, the challenges of leadership, and the changing expectations for legal professionals today.

David Stewart is a seasoned lawyer and former CEO of Olswang...

In this episode of Beyond Billables, Stephen Rodney speaks with Philip Rodney, former Chair of Burnes & Co, about his 40-year legal career and leadership journey. From his early days as a litigator to leading the transformation of a mid-market firm into a Scottish powerhouse, Philip shares his insights on what it takes to succeed in law and leadership. He reflects on the importance of integrity, adaptability, and collaboration, while offering valuable advice for both aspiring lawyers and current leaders.

Philip retired from law in 2018 after leading Burnes through a successful merger, and now advises businesses in various...

In this episode of Beyond Billables, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Sarah Lee, former Head of Disputes and Investigations at Slaughter and May, about her journey through the legal profession and what it takes to become a successful partner. Drawing from over two decades at one of the UK’s top firms, Sarah reflects on the evolving nature of leadership, diversity, and culture in law. From career pivots to life after partnership, she shares lessons that go beyond the billables.

Sarah Lee spent 21 years as a partner at Slaughter and May, where she led the Disputes and In...

In this episode, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Sarah Rees, a leading partner in the commercial litigation team at Blake Morgan, who shares her journey from trainee to partner. She reflects on key leadership lessons, navigating the challenges of work-life balance, and the future of law firms in an evolving legal world. With decades of experience, Sarah offers invaluable insights into managing teams, integrating laterals, and what makes a successful law firm partner.

Sarah Rees is a respected partner at Blake Morgan, a prominent national law firm, where she leads the commercial litigation team in London...

In this episode, host Stephen Rodney sits down with John Balsdon, a former senior partner at Latham & Watkins and a seasoned leader in the energy and infrastructure project finance sector. John discusses his dynamic legal career, from his early days as a partner to his decision to retire and pursue a passion for photography. He shares invaluable insights into what it takes to be a successful law firm partner, leadership qualities, and the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in building strong professional relationships.

John also reflects on the significant moments that shaped his career, including his experience...

In this episode of Beyond Billables, Stephen Rodney is joined by Simon Bushell, the Founding Partner at Seladore Legal, a conflict-free litigation boutique. Simon shares his journey through top UK and US law firms before founding his own firm. With over 30 years of experience in commercial litigation and fraud cases, Simon discusses the key attributes of successful law firm partners, the challenges of integrating into different firm cultures, and the unique skills required for litigators and transactional lawyers. This episode offers a wealth of insights for anyone in the legal field, especially those looking to understand the transition to...

In this episode, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Karen Seward, Director at Seward Advisory Limited, who has held influential leadership positions throughout her legal career. Karen offers a candid and insightful reflection on what it takes to succeed in Big Law from succeeding as a partner to navigating leadership and cultural integration. With firsthand experience leading offices, shaping global strategies, and mentoring future leaders, Karen shares critical lessons on values, resilience, and reinvention in the evolving legal landscape.

Karen Seward recently retired from A&O Shearman after over 20 years of service, including roles as Global Head...

In this debut episode of Beyond Billables, host Stephen Rodney is joined by Simon Levine, Strategic Innovation Partner and Global co-CEO and Managing Partner at DLA Piper. With over 30 years of experience in the legal industry, Simon discusses his journey from making partner to leading one of the largest global law firms. He shares valuable insights on leadership, the qualities needed to be a successful partner, and how law firm culture impacts both personal and professional growth. Simon also reflects on his experiences with lateral moves and the evolving role of technology in the legal industry.

Simon’s...

Welcome to Beyond Billables, the essential podcast for law firm leaders where host Stephen Rodney, founder of Intogreat Coaching, tackles the critical challenge: The Integration Gap.

Why do new senior lawyer hires often fail to reach their full potential, even after a successful recruitment process?

Stephen and his guests will provide the tangible strategies needed to bridge that gap. Learn how to move beyond basic onboarding and ensure your most expensive talent becomes a long-term, profitable success.

Subscribe now so you don't miss any episode of Beyond Billables. Coming soon to your favourite...