How Private Capital is Reshaping Legal Careers with Melinda Wallman

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!

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 society is essential.To download the report, visit: https://www.ibe.org.uk/legal-profession-taskforce.htmlTo listen to part 1 of the recording, visit: https://byfieldconsultancy.com/2025/04/counsel-culture-guy-beringer-kc-on-the-ibe-report-and-ethical-challenges-in-the-legal-sector-part-1/ Thank you for Listening!

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 practice looks like in reality.Part two, out next week, will dive into the report’s recommendations, the role of public trust and PR, and why engagement with civil society is essential.Stay tuned!To download the report, visit: https://www.ibe.org.uk/legal-profession-taskforce.htmlThank you for Listening!