Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners

The legal sector thrives on talent, but how do you ensure partner success, both generally and in relation to how new hires integrate and succeed? Hosted by Stephen Rodney, founder of IntoGreat Coaching, which provides tailor made integration programmes for laterals and, previously a veteran of partner legal recruitment. Beyond Billables is the essential podcast for law firm leaders and in house GCs. Stephen draws on both his recent coaching experience and his previous recruitment life as a co-founder of a leading recruitment boutique (including being responsible for one of the UK's largest-ever team moves), to look at the essential elements necessary to produce both successful partners and also other senior lawyers and to look at the critical challenge of effective senior lawyer integration. Join Stephen as he speaks with successful partners, other industry experts and legal innovators. Follow Beyond Billables to ensure you absorb the lessons told by the successful partners interviewed!

Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 34 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, a business show with 34 episodes published.

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  Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners

  Why Great Leaders Never Micromanage Their Teams with Peter Jackson

  Aug 4, 20261h 23m

  In this episode of Beyond Billables , Stephen Rodney sits down with Peter Jackson , former Managing Partner and CEO of Hill Dickinson, to unpack nearly three decades of leadership inside one of the UK's leading commercial law firms. Peter shares the lessons that transformed him from lawyer to CEO, why great leaders never micromanage, how to build high-performing teams, the importance of culture when hiring lateral partners, succession planning, AI's impact on the legal profession, and the remarkable story behind Hill Dickinson becoming the naming rights partner of Everton's new stadium. Whether you're a managing partner, lawyer, business leader, or anyone interested in leadership, management, culture, and professional services, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. Timestamps: 00:00 - 00:54 | Trailer on Leadership, AI, and Law Firm Growth 00:54 - 01:59 | Podcast Introduction and Peter Jackson’s Career Overview 01:59 - 09:10 | Early Legal Career and Rise to Managing Partner 09:10 - 14:31 | CEO Transition and Strategic Leadership Structure 14:31 - 18:54 | Selling the Insurance Business and Managing Change 18:54 - 23:36 | Succession Planning, Retirement, and CM Murray Role 23:36 - 31:26 | Partner Skills, Sector Knowledge, and AI’s Legal Impact 31:26 - 43:53 | Leadership Lessons, People Decisions, and Management Training 43:53 - 52:24 | Lateral Hiring, Culture Fit, and Due Diligence 52:24 - 01:05:34 | Everton Stadium Sponsorship and Business ROI 01:05:34 - 01:12:16 | Career Highlights, Hillsborough, and Leadership Challenges 01:12:16 - 01:22:43 | Private Equity, Law Firm Ownership, and Future Models 01:22:43 - 01:23:16 | Closing Thanks and Final Wrap-Up Connect with Peter Jackson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-jackson-a1b3bb5/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cm-murray-llp/ Company’s Website: https://cm-murray.com/ Connect with Stephen Rodney: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/ Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/ Connect with IntoGreat Coaching: Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/ Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more conversations with leading law firm partners, business leaders, and industry experts sharing the lessons behind exceptional careers and leadership.

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  Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners

  AI Replacing Lawyers for Legal Pros to Stay Relevant Using Client Relationships with Charles Currier

  Jul 28, 202658 min

  In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Charles Currier , Senior Partner and Chairman of the Board for CMS UK and its international offices. Charles shares his journey from being the first in his family to attend university to leading one of the world's largest law firm networks. The conversation explores leadership, career progression, lateral hiring, client relationships, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal profession. Charles also reflects on the lessons he has learned during three decades at CMS and explains why people skills remain the foundation of long-term success. Charles joined the firm as a trainee in the mid 1990s and became a corporate partner in 2005. Throughout his career, he has advised on major infrastructure and energy transactions, led the firm's Corporate Group, and now focuses on strategy, leadership, client relationships, and shaping the future direction of CMS. Expect to Learn: Why strong client relationships matter more than ever in the age of AI. How Charles progressed from trainee solicitor to Senior Partner at CMS. What separates successful law firm leaders from successful partners. How firms can improve the success of lateral partner hires through better planning and integration. Why respect, curiosity, and simply being nice to people are key ingredients for a successful legal career. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] – Teaser [00:52] – Welcome & Introduction to Beyond Billables with Charles Currier [06:20] – The Contested Election: Five Candidates and Four Rounds of Voting [11:52] – Staying Out of the Managing Partner Election [15:37] – AI and the Future: The Threat and Opportunity [19:52] – The Partner-Led Technological Shift: Why AI Needs Senior Adoption [26:06] – Lateral Hiring: Due Diligence, Integration, and the 100-Day Plan [31:19] – Why Some Laterals Don't Work Out: The Role of Luck and Expectations [34:22] – The CMS Structure: An English Company Limited by Guarantee [39:38] – Client Perspectives on AI: The Spectrum from Reluctance to Demand [43:22] – Private Equity in Law: A Cautious View from the Senior Partner [47:47] – Best Moments: The National Grid Deal and the Bulb Acquisition [50:52] – Worst Moments: Two All-Nighters and Hallucinating Colours [54:32] – Three Non-Negotiables: Respect, Enthusiasm, and Perspective [57:07] – One Golden Rule: Just Be Nice to People [57:36] – Closing Remarks Connect with Charles Currier: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-currier/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cms-cameron-mckenna/ Company’s Website: https://cms.law/en/gbr/ Connect with Stephen Rodney: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/ Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/ Connect with IntoGreat Coaching: Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/ Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l

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  Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners

  AI in Law for Legal Pros to Stay Relevant and Escape the Billable Hour Trap with Emily Monastiriotis

  Jul 21, 202656 min

  In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Emily Monastiriotis , Global Managing Partner at Simmons & Simmons . Emily shares her journey from growing up in Corfu to leading one of the world's leading international law firms. The conversation explores leadership, client relationships, talent development, AI adoption, and what it takes to build a successful legal career in a rapidly changing profession. Emily Monastiriotis is the Global Managing Partner of Simmons & Simmons. A construction litigator by background, she joined the firm almost ten years ago and progressed through a series of leadership roles before being elected Managing Partner. Emily is passionate about people, innovation, mentoring, and helping law firms adapt to the opportunities and challenges created by artificial intelligence. Expect to Learn: How Emily's international upbringing and career journey led her to become Global Managing Partner of Simmons & Simmons. Why building strong client relationships and understanding client needs remain critical to long-term success. The leadership qualities that help law firm partners develop high-performing teams and strong firm cultures. How AI is changing legal work, pricing models, training, and the future skills lawyers need. Best practices for recruiting, integrating, and supporting lateral hires in law firms. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] – Teaser [01:01] – Welcome & Introduction to Beyond Billables with Emily Monastiriotis [05:23] – The Contested Election: Becoming Managing Partner of Simmons [09:11] – What Makes a Successful Partner? Relationships, Curiosity, and Engagement [14:31] – The Power of Face-to-Face: Investing Time in Clients [19:25] – AI and the Billable Hour: The Shift to Value-Based Pricing [24:51] – The Education Gap: Teaching AI Responsibility in Schools [27:47] – Responsible AI Use: Traffic Lights, Supervision, and Critical Thinking [33:40] – Lateral Hiring: Planning, Integration, and Cultural Fit [38:31] – Sponsoring Partners and Holistic Remuneration [43:24] – Best Moments: The Thrill of Victory and Team Success [48:38] – Mentoring and Reverse Mentoring: Paying It Forward [52:08] – Private Equity in Law: A Cautious View [55:45] – One Golden Rule: Treat People with Respect and Curiosity [56:07] – Closing Remarks Connect with Emily Monastiriotis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-monastiriotis/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simmons-&-simmons/ Company’s Website: https://www.simmons-simmons.com/ Connect with Stephen Rodney: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/ Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/ Connect with IntoGreat Coaching: Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/ Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l

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  Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners

  Law Firm Partner Success for Lawyers to Build Client Trust Beyond the Billable Hour - Ben Allgrove

  Jul 14, 202659 min

  In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Ben Allgrove , Chief Innovation Officer & Partner at Baker McKenzie . Ben shares his unconventional path from studying law in Australia and researching AI at Oxford to becoming one of the legal industry's leading voices on innovation. The conversation explores the future of legal services, the impact of AI on law firms, the challenges of training the next generation of lawyers, and what it really takes to build a successful legal career. Ben Allgrove is a Partner at Baker McKenzie, specialising in intellectual property, data, technology, digital media and platform businesses. He also serves as the firm's Chief Innovation Officer, helping shape its strategy on AI, legal technology and the future of legal services. Ben is widely recognised for his work on innovation in the legal sector and has advised leading technology companies throughout his career. Expect to Learn: How Ben's early research into AI helped shape his legal career and leadership role today. Why trust with both clients and teams is the foundation of long-term success as a partner. How AI is changing legal services, pricing models and client expectations. The biggest risk AI creates for law firms and why training future lawyers matters. What law firms can do to improve lateral partner integration and long-term success. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] – Teaser [01:00] – Welcome & Introduction of Ben Allgrove [05:01] – Became Chief Innovation Officer in 2016/2017 – tapped on the shoulder [10:43] – What makes a successful partner: two‑way trust with clients and team [17:30] – Biggest risk: training the next generation of lawyers [23:00] – Professional obligation to train and mentor [28:42] – The billable hour: economics will force change more than client demands [34:40] – Laterals: integration works when there’s a real plan, not just a hope of portable books [40:34] – Another red flag: lateral not bringing team – indicates not a builder [45:30] – Career challenge: losing motivation after achieving status and money [50:17] – Mentors: partner (care and loyalty), Paul Rawlinson (creative vision) [56:42] – Three non‑negotiable behaviours: ask questions, operate as a team, be responsive [58:24] – Golden rule: keep it in perspective – “It’s just a job” [59:04] – Closing thanks and episode wrap‑up Connect with Ben Allgrove: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-allgrove-2941481/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/baker-&-mckenzie/ Company’s Website: https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/ Connect with Stephen Rodney: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/ Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/ Connect with IntoGreat Coaching: Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/ Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l

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  Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners

  The Midlife Career Crisis for Ambitious Pros to Build a Second Career That Matters with Ana Baillie

  Jul 7, 202636 min

  In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Ana Baillie , a former employment lawyer who built a successful career across Allen & Overy , RBS, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Accenture, and HSBC before making a remarkable career change. After more than twenty years in law, Ana retrained as a midwife and now works for the NHS in London. Join us as we discuss career transitions, life-long learning, leadership, corporate culture, and the surprising similarities between practising law and delivering babies. Ana Baillie began her legal career after converting her Chinese degree into law and qualifying as an employment lawyer at Allen & Overy. She spent over two decades advising major global organisations on employment law, workplace culture, and misconduct issues before leaving the corporate world in 2021 to retrain as a midwife. Today, she combines her legal experience, risk assessment skills, and passion for helping others in a completely different profession focused on supporting women and families. Expect to Learn: How Ana moved from a successful legal career into midwifery after more than twenty years in law. Why understanding a business and communicating clearly are the foundations of successful in-house legal practice. What it takes to navigate major career changes in midlife and manage the risks involved. The surprising skills that transfer from employment law to healthcare and midwifery. How workplace culture can be improved through leadership, accountability, and consistent action. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] – Teaser [01:05] – Welcome & Introduction of Ana Baillie [05:08] – Move in-house after six years: “nearer to the problems” [09:41] – Adapting to in‑house demands; first six months is for listening [14:53] – The 100 Year Life book – inspiration for second career [19:45] – Age as an advantage – people assume experience [25:12] – The “swan” mentality – calm on surface, assessing risk behind the scenes [31:39] – Mentors: client in Hong Kong (corporate insights) [33:46] – Golden rule (both careers): thorough preparation and beautiful communication [35:31] – Closing thanks and episode wrap‑up Connect with Ana Baillie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-baillie-44b1a123/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allen-overy/ Company’s Website: https://www.aoshearman.com/en Connect with Stephen Rodney: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/ Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/ Connect with IntoGreat Coaching: Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/ Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l

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