Counsel Culture: The Business of Law Podcast
Counsel Culture is a weekly podcast that provides a digest of the biggest news stories in the UK legal market, brought to you by Byfield. It focuses on the business of law, covering topics such as law firm management, legal industry trends, and key developments affecting solicitors and barristers in the United Kingdom.
Episodes
What happens when trust starts to break down?
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
From values to behaviours: what “good” looks like in practice
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.
AI ambition, private equity influence and the fight to prove value
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
Dana Denis-Smith OBE on the Next 100 Years for Women in Law
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. The
Patrick McCann on the Future of City of London Law
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 fir
Private Prosecutions, Runaway Mergers and the Race for Space
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 Outp
Happy Associates, Mega Paydays and the Magic Circle
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 widenin
Private Equity in Legal, European Alliances Unravel, and Faster Merger Clearances
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
Georgina Bennett-Warner on the Strategy, Process and People Behind a Rebrand
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 an
A Conversation with Kindleworth
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 tak
PE Expansion, Merger PR Challenges and AI Redefining Roles
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 serv
McDermott’s PE Play, Karp Heckled & Treasury Retreats
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 liste
AI Law Firms Emerge, Regulators Step In and Transparency Takes the Stand
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 pil
Law Firms Push Back, AI Transforms the C-Suite and Private Equity Expansion
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
Rebrand, Risks and the End of the UK Legal Market
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.
Innovative Lawyers, Tech Deals and New Strategies
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.
Office Attendance, Bonus Promises and Inflated Bills
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.
US Firms, London Moves, and Lateral Hiring Trends with Habiba Cullen-Jafar
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.
Financial Success, Bonus Adjustments and Class Actions on the Rise
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.
Hiring Slowdowns, AI Tributes and a Vegas Fortune Fight
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 al
Ownership Shifts, Disputes Firm Growth, and AI Gone Wrong
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-wi
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
Building Culture and Influence with William Peake
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 followe
The Shifting Career Landscape and the Rise of Non-Equity Partnerships
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.
Professor Stephen Mayson Discusses the IBE Report and Ethics in Legal Practice
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 finding
CM Murray's Story, IFSEA Conference and Driving Change in Law – with Clare Murray
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
Trump Lawsuits, Magic Circle Debate and Europe’s Top Private Equity Advisers
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
UK-US Trade, Trump Ties, and Legal Talent to Watch
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.
Trump's Ripple Effect, ESG Gaps and AI Demands
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 c
Guy Beringer KC on the IBE Report and Ethical Challenges in the Legal Sector – Part 2
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 i
Guy Beringer KC on the IBE Report and Ethical Challenges in the Legal Sector – Part 1
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 accep
Trump’s Impact, Rising Revenues & Regulatory Battles
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.
Trump’s Executive Order & Linklaters’ Gender Progress
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.
Trump vs. Paul Weiss, Diversity Cuts & Financial Wins
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
Trump’s Order Blocked, US Firms Expanding & a CV Controversy
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 executi
Law Firm Financial Results, Trump Tariffs and US Change in ED&I Policies
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.
The Billable Hour’s Grip, Partner Pay Divides & Legal Reactions to DeepSeek’s Rise
This week, Meg is joined by Joint managing Director Michael Evans to discuss how the billable hour is still dominant in the legal world, law firm partner pay segmentation, Post Office prosecutions, Prigozhin's lawyers facing no regulatory action and what lawyers are making of the DeepSeek surge. Thank you for listening.
Navigating Change: Post-Trump Dynamics in US, UK, and EU Regulatory, Cultural, and Business Landscapes
Meg is joined by Joint Managing Director Ben Girdlestone to discuss how regulatory, cultural, and business frameworks in the US, UK, and EU will evolve after Trump's inauguration. Thank you for listening.
Financials Season Kick-Off, Internal Pay Wars, Preparing for a Second Trump Term
Meg returns for the second episode of Counsel Culture this year. Joined by Joint Managing Director Michael Evans, they discuss listed firms publishing positive results despite ongoing market volatility, what Quinn Emanuel's results might mean for the litigation market, ethics of barristers being called into question, law firms tackling friction over nonequity partner pay and unusual alliances
KPMG Law's Move into the US, Rising Rates and PE Investments into Law
This week Meg is joined by Byfield Associate Director, Beth Durkin. They discuss KPMG Law targeting an alternative business licence in the US, the increase in law firm rates, Private Equity’s Calculated push into law firms and how the last year has reshaped the legal industry globally.To read the articles mentioned in this week's episode, visit the below links: https://www.law.com/internation
Climate Protests, Partner Retention, and US Firm Dynamics
This week Meg is joined by Joint Managing Directors Ben Girdlestone and Michael Evans. They discuss why climate protestors are targeting A&O Shearman,lateral partner retention, US firms dragging their feet on training contracts and how US firm are getting closer to acquiring Kramer Levin’s Paris office.Thank you for listening.
Disputes & Investigations Monthly: Diving into the Market Impact of the PACCAR Decision and Key Insights on Litigation Funding with Sean McGuiness
In this episode, Meg and Dina are joined by Sean McGuiness, Investment Manager, Senior Legal Counsel at Omni Bridgeway. They discuss how the PACCAR decision is impacting the market and what to expect from this government in the legislation tackling it (when it comes through), controversies around litigation funding such as fees the funders charge, why funding is so important for litigation and the
HSF-Kramer Merger, Climate Protests and the US Election Impact
In the episode, Meg is joined by Byfield Joint Managing Director, Ben Girdlestone, to discuss the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer merger, the climate protests outside law firms, the US election and a couple of law firm culture stories recently published by The Times. Thank you for listening.
FOMO in Law Firm Mergers, Trainee Salaries, and High-Profile Legal Cases
In this episode, Michael and Ben dive into some of the biggest news stories in the UK Legal Market. They explore whether law firm leaders are experiencing FOMO (fear of missing out) amidst the wave of mergers sweeping the sector. The conversation also touches on trainee salaries and the divide between equity and non-equity partners in US firms. Additionally, they provide updates on high-profile ca
Counsel Culture – Law Firm Challenges and Ethics in Litigation with Simon Davis
Meg welcomes Simon Davis, former Law Society of England and Wales President and former commercial litigation Partner at Clifford Chance, on the podcast this week to discuss the ever-changing landscape in the legal industry and all of the challenges arising out of that for law firms and their lawyers.They also discuss scrutiny of lawyers in litigation and ethical considerations in disputes.Thank yo
Counsel Culture - How brand and tough decisions impact your culture
Rose Walker from Bloomberg Tax is back on Counsel Culture this week to discuss how mergers, rebrands and restructurings may impact culture in law firms.Leaning on the latest Freshfields rebrand and the Johannesburg office closure and equity partner cut at A&O Shearman, Rose and Meg discuss the communications and cultural challenges that come with such changes, and what firms can do to ensure t
Disputes & Investigations Monthly: Upcoming BHP Liability Hearing and Managing Reputations throughout ESG Litigation
Counsel Culture is back with another instalment of Disputes & Investigations Monthly!In this episode, Meg is joined by Founder Gus Sellitto and Senior Consultant Dina Hudson to discuss the upcoming liability trial in the BHP Mariana Dam case, along with broader reputational concerns surrounding strategic litigation related to ESG.Thank you for listening.
Live from IBA 2024: Insights from Mexico City
In this episode Meg and Michael Evans, Joint Managing Director at Byfield, discuss his highlights at the IBA including: his session on whether firms should speak up or remain neutral on major geopolitical/societal issues and the fact that the Mexican President attacked the legal sector and rule of law by revamping the judicial system. They also spoke about recent office closures from Armstrong Tea
Navigating Law Firm Expansion, the Talent War and Future Predictions with David Patient
In today’s episode, Meg is joined by David Patient, Senior Adviser at Travers Smith, for a conversation on law firm expansion in the Middle East, the talent war and David's key lessons for law firm leaders. He also shares his predictions on how the legal industry may evolve in the coming years.Thank you for listening.
Paul Weiss' London Growth, Movements at A&O Shearman with James Booth and Edin Imsirovic, Financial News
After a summer hiatus, Counsel Culture is finally back!We’re kicking off with an exciting new episode featuring James Booth and Edin Imsirovic from Financial News.Together with Meg, they discuss Paul Weiss' impressive growth one year later and A&O Shearman’s recent hiring of two private equity partners from Sidley and making people redundant (probably).Thank you for listening.
K&E's Partner Departures Policy and the Industry's Misuse of Diverse Talent
This week Meg is joined by Joint Managing Director Ben Girdlestone to discuss the return of deals, Kirkland & Ellis Partner moves and diverse lawyers being used as “window dressing” in client pitches. Thank you for listening.
Focus on Financials, Infrastructure and Socio-Economic Diversity
This week, Meg is joined by Associate Director Liam McCafferty to discuss how the legal industry (and others) can use the Labour Cabinet as an example for increasing socio-economic diversity, what an increase in UK-focused infrastructure and planning work means for law firms and A&O and Linklaters' financial results announcements. Thank you for listening.
Counsel Culture - Elections, Financials and the Global Elite
The latest episode of Counsel Culture is now live!This week, Meg is joined by Michael to discuss the UK and French elections' impact on the market, UK law firms' financial results so far and what constitutes the global elite within the legal sector.Thank you for listening.
Counsel Culture - Elections, Glencore and the Post Office Inquiry
The latest episode of Counsel Culture is now live!This week, Meg is joined by Gus and Dina for their monthly disputes & investigations episode. This time they discuss the latest updates in the Post Office Inquiry and the class action against Glencore, the second-ever collective settlement approval order in opt-out proceedings in the CAT, and the fate of the Litigation Funding Agreements (Enfor
Mental Health Awareness Week: From Personal Challenges to Professional Shifts
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, Meg is joined by Joint Managing Director Ben Girdlestone to delve into several stories from this week's legal news. They discuss topics including the complexities of dating as a lawyer, strategies for managing stress, mental health and wellbeing, and why employees are seeking stability in their careers amidst economic instability. Additionally,
General Counsel at the Crossroads of Geopolitics and Stakeholder Management with Eric Staal
In this episode, Meg is joined by Eric Staal, Vice President of Global Markets at Lex Mundi, to discuss challenges faced by General Counsel in responding to geopolitical issues affecting their companies, and handling various stakeholders as part of their response, how those challenges have changed the relationship between in-house counsel and external advisers and what options are available to GC
Disputes & Investigations Monthly: FCA's 'Name and Shame' Proposal, BBC's Huw Edwards Saga and the Launch of the Group Claim Against Grindr
This week Meg is joined by Senior Consultant Dina Hudson for the third instalment of our Counsel Culture Disputes & Investigations Monthly series. They discuss the reputational risks of the FCA's "name and shame" proposal, the internal and external communications considerations and challenges for the BBC in the wake of Huw Edwards’ resignation and the importance of having a robu
Protecting Whistleblowers in Today's Legal Landscape with Mary Inman
In today’s episode, Meg and Senior Consultant Dina Hudson are joined by Mary Inman, Partner at Whistleblower Partners LLP. They discussed Whistleblower Partners LLP and the work they're doing worldwide, as well as the legal, reputational and psychosocial risks faced by whistleblowers. They also spoke about what regulators and employers can do to ensure whistleblowers are taken seriously and r
A Conversation with Tony Williams on Retirement, Career Milestones, and the Future of Law
This week, Meg welcomes Tony Williams, retired Principal at Jomati Consultants, to the show. They discussed Tony’s plan post-retirement from Jomati as well as the various milestones through Tony’s career including his biggest challenges, most rewarding moments and lessons learned. He also shared some thoughts on how the legal industry has changed and some predictions for the future. Thank you for
Litigation Funding, Group Actions and What’s Next for Pogust Goodhead
This week Meg is joined by Ana Carolina Salomão, CIO and Partner at Pogust Goodhead. They spoke about the firm's compensation case against BHP over a collapsed dam in Brazil; seeing ESG as a business opportunity; group actions and collective redress trends across Europe and the Litigation Funding Agreement (Enforceability) Bill 2024.Thank you for listening.
In Discussion with Camille Vasquez
This week, we have the privilege of welcoming a very special guest, Camille Vasquez, a Partner and Co-Chair of the Brand & Reputation Management Group at Brown Rudnick. Camille, who has worked with a number of high-profile clients, gained global recognition for her successful representation of Johnny Depp in a televised defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard two years ago.The team dr
Can AI Solve the Value Gap in Law Firms? with Stefan Ciesla of Ayora
This week Meg is joined by Stefan Ciesla, Co-founder of Ayora, a company that provides AI for legal revenue management. They discuss Ayora's report called "Addressing the $36bn value gap in law firms: a primer for innovative law firms" which claims that the legal industry is losing up to $36 billion a year due to sub-optimal revenue and working capital management. They also speak ab
Disputes & Investigations Monthly: Christian Horner Case, SLAPP Legislation and FCA Transparency
Today, Meg is joined by Gus and Dina for the next instalment of our Disputes and Investigations Monthly series. They discuss the Christian Horner case, the latest legislative proposals regarding SLAPPS, the FCA planning to name firms being investigated earlier and more often and the SFO offering monetary compensation for whistleblowers to come forward.Thank you for listening.
Bar Row, Judges on Social Media and Lower Class Travel with Steven Barrett
This week Meg is joined by Steven Barrett from Radcliffe Chambers to discuss when barristers should call themselves barristers and whether judges should be banned from using social media. They also spoke about Latham & Watkins' decision to cut off automatic access to its international database for Hong Kong lawyers and Freshfields asking lawyers to opt for lower-class travel to meet sust
The Latest on the Post Office Inquiry and Axiom Ince with John Hyde
This week Meg is joined by John Hyde, Deputy News Editor at The Law Society Gazette. They sat down to discuss the latest developments in the Post Office Inquiry including what the next phase looks like, the impact on the victims and the SRA’s involvement. They also spoke about the latest on Axiom Ince, analysing Pragnesh Modhwadia's property company being shut down, the SRA's review into
Disputes & Investigations Monthly: Trends to Watch Out For in 2024
This week’s episode marks the first instalment of our Disputes and Investigations monthly series. Meg is joined by Byfield Founder Gus Sellitto and Dina Hudson, Senior Consultant in our Disputes and Investigations practice, to discuss Byfield’s updated Disputes & Investigations PR service offering, the highlights from The Lawyer's Top 20 cases for 2024, PR considerations amid investigatio
HSBC's 2024 Law Firm Strategy Report: A Conversation with Victoria Ritchie
This week Meg is joined by HSBC’s Head of Professional & Business Services, Victoria Ritchie.They discussed various aspects of HSBC's annual law firm strategy report for 2024 including, how law firms are planning for the impact of the basis period reform on their finances, how they're investing in ESG, overseas expansion and technology and how banks are helping them facilitate those
Black Box, PACCAR and Office Attendance
This week Meg is joined by Joint Managing Director Michael Evans to discuss the new black box partner remuneration model at Paul Weiss, Slaughter and May announcing it will name and shame those who work from home full time, SSB Law going bust and owing £200m to litigation funders and the government reversing the July PACCAR decision for the Post Office Inquiry.Thank you for listening.
Kicking Off 2024 with Litigation Scandals, Hires and M&A Rankings
This week Meg is joined by Account Director Liam McCafferty to discuss this week’s biggest legal stories. They cover the Post Office scandal, Linklaters' latest hire in the US, SRA fines for breaches of transparency, M&A advisers table from the London Stock Exchange Group and the latest update on Axiom Ince and the compensation cap.Thank you for listening.
2023 Rewind
In what is the last Counsel Culture episode of 2023, Meg is joined by Joint Managing Directors Michael Evans and Ben Girdlestone to discuss the biggest stories of 2023. They cover the A&O and Shearman merger, Paul Weiss’ recruitment, the Axiom Ince fallout, how firms have handled their messaging around the Middle East conflict and predictions for 2024.Thank you for listening.
Cyber Security, Axiom Ince and Workplace Wellbeing Schemes
This week Meg is joined by Joint Managing Director Michael Evans to discuss the news that Deloitte and KPMG are asking staff to use burner phones on Hong Kong trips and CTS has fallen victim to a cyber security attack. They also discuss the SRA ruling out a one-off levy on solicitors to compensate clients of Axiom Ince and the effectiveness of workplace wellbeing schemes.Thank you for listening.
Hacks and Wokes
This week’s episode of Counsel Culture is now live!Meg and Joint Managing Director Ben discuss Allen & Overy's ransomware, breaking glass ceilings for women in law, and junior lawyers wanting to join firms and do work that align with their values.Thank you for listening.
Fraudly Serious
As regular host Meg takes a well-deserved break, Account Director Liam and Joint Managing Director Michael step in to speak about the week’s biggest legal stories. They discuss the Rwanda scheme ruling, Axiom SFO raids, the recent trends in younger lawyers preferring ethical work, international firms entering Africa and the acquisition of Chambers and Partners. Thank you for listening.
At the Bench with Hogan Lovells' Thomas Kendra
In this week's episode, Meg is joined by Thomas Kendra, Arbitration Partner from Hogan Lovells, to discuss market trends in litigation and arbitration in Europe and Africa, how Asian investments in Africa are affecting disputes across the continent, the Nigeria arbitration case in the London courts in October and the ICSID and UNCITRAL code of conduct affecting arbitrators. Thank you for list
In Conversation with Mark Stephens CBE
This week’s episode of Counsel Culture is brought to you all the way from Paris, as a week of knowledge sharing and networking at the IBA draws to a close. Joining Meg this week is Mark Stephens CBE, Founder of and Partner at Howard Kennedy and Co-Chair of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute. They discuss Mark’s IBA experience so far, his work in decriminalising homosexuali
Lawyers' Hours, Mid-Market Law Firm Consolidation and Directory Headaches
This week, Meg is joined by Account Director Liam McCafferty to discuss the lawyers doing the longest hours, Mid-market M&A, the Bar Standards Board's proposed disclosure of chambers rankings to implement further regulatory changes and whether legal directories are still worth the effort.Thank you for listening.
A&O Shearman, Revenues and Overheads
This week Meg is joined by Joint Managing Director Ben Girdlestone to discuss the A&O Shearman merger, KPMG's legal arm reaching £100 million in revenues, how Inflation and increased overhead expenses, combined with a decrease in billable hours, is causing concerns for law firms and the $69 billion Microsoft takeover of Activision.Thank you for listening.
Politics, Settlements and Legal Advice for Rappers
In today's episode, Meg and Ben discuss the latest from party conference season and expected impacts on the legal industry, an increase in the number of lawyers calling a mental health hotline, firms wrestling with return to offices, Clifford Chance's project advising UK rappers on their legal contracts alongside Urban Lawyers, and GSK settling four lawsuits at once in the US.Thank you f
Regulator Actions, Political Opinions and Kindness Codes
This week Meg is joined by Joint Managing Director Michael Evans to discuss the Axiom Ince closure, the Bar Standards Board’s new social media guidelines for barristers and the SDT’s findings in the Oliver Bretherton case. They further talk about whether law firm leaders should voice their political opinions, the Maria Rooney menopause case returning to the Employment Tribunal and Lewis Silkin’s k
Partner Moves, Gardening Leave Controversy and Job Cuts
This week, Meg is joined by James Booth, Professional Services Reporter at Financial News. They discuss the Kirkland & Ellis departures to Paul Weiss in London, KPMG halving pay for its US partners on gardening leave and Goldman Sachs announcing job cuts for underperforming staff in the US, and how we could see this bleeding into Big Law. Thank you for listening.
