Counsel Culture: The Business of Law Podcast

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 episode, here is the link to Dan Neidle's Q&A in the FT: https://www.ft.com/content/72138fa7-f664-4fb0-90e7-f6793de8bbeeThank you for Listening!

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 about the intersection of tech and legal practice.Thank you for Listening!

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 Listening!

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 enquiry into sexual harassment in the workplace. Thank you for Listening!