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 listening.

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 pilot, and more. 

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.

To kick off the New Year, we are once again joined once again by Simon Slater, former CEO and non-executive board member of Cripps LLP, as well as Board Adviser at Byfield, with his forecasts for 2023. We predict the hot topics for the year ahead, including why firms might have to call curtains on NQ pay rises, the dawn of data as a key management challenge, and why we should be cautiously optimistic about the legal market's fortunes in 2023. We also ask if, with mounting public and regulatory pressure, if this will be a crunch year for ESG commitments - with firm's expected to practice what they preach. 

Thank you for listening.

This week Meg is joined by special guest Luke Tucker Harrison, co-founder of insolvency and disputes specialists Keidan Harrison LLP, for your weekly digest and analysis of the top stories from the London legal market. We discuss rising cases of barrister misconduct, rising billing rates, social mobility in law firms, and Raab’s move against SLAPPs. Also, we can consider the death of the “all-nighter” – reports of which may (or may not) be greatly exaggerated. 

Thank you for listening.

This week, we take a hiatus from our usual weekly digests to look back at 2022 with Simon Slater, former CEO and non-executive board member of Cripps LLP, as well as Non-Executive Chair of Byfield Consultancy. We talk about how law firms adapted to the War in Ukraine, the ever-changeable fortunes of the Magic Circle, the rise and rise again of class actions, and dare to ask the question – the War for Talent, is this the beginning of the end?

Thank you for listening.

Meg Tillay is joined by Michael Evans and podcast first-timer Gus Sellitto to look at the top takeaways from the IBA Conference in Miami. Crockett and Tubbs talk us through the reputational impact of investigations, whether bad clients deserve good lawyers, and what it is really like to stay in a midsize town full of lawyers.

Thank you for listening.

They'll always hit you and hurt you, defend and attack! Ahead of the World Cup, Ben Girdlestone and Meg Tillay declare their footballing allegiances, and spend just a bit of time discussing this week’s top stories in the UK legal Market. We talk about deal activity, SRA fining powers and getting lawyers in the office. We also look at this week’s Budget and discover that, just like hips, markets don’t lie.

Thank you for listening.

For Pro Bono Week we are joined by Fred Banning, formerly of Pinsent Masons and the Founder of Fifth Day, a non-profit organisation founded to provide access to pro bono opportunities business professionals within law firms. We discuss the Fifth Day initiative, as well as Law.com’s annual pro bono survey. We also ask how law firms will respond to the M&A downturn and the SRA SLAPP down. 

Thank you for listening.

Former legal Journalist, Meg Tillay, is joined by Ben Girdlestone for your weekly digest of the top business of law stories from the London legal market. This week we talk about the travails of Magic Circle firms in the US, menopause policies and life for associates on the fast track. We also discover that for some law firms, size isn’t everything. 

Thank you for listening.

For Halloween, Meg Tillay is joined by Ben Girdlestone in this bonus episode to talk about what really spooks managing partners of big law firms - including the war for talent, client fees, and cyber-vampires.

Thank you for listening.

Former legal Journalist, Meg Tillay, is joined by Michael Evans for your daily digest of the top business of law stories from the London legal market. This week we are Houston to Manchester to discuss Magic Circle mergers, partnership tracks and the property downfall. We discover that firm partners don’t like cricket, they love it.

Thank you for listening.

This week, former legal journalist Meg Tillay is joined by Michael Evans to discuss the stories everyone is talking about in the London legal market. This week's episode features Hogan Lovells, Shoosmiths and Liz Truss versus the lettuce.

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.html

To 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.html

Thank you for listening.

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 it’s had, the latest ALM 200 results, and more. 

If you'd like to read any of the stories mentioned in today's episode, the links are below: 

https://www.thelawyer.com/not-heard-of-setfords-you-have-now/

https://www.law.com/2025/10/13/taylor-wessing-garrigues-and-europes-top-earners-win-big-with-bold-global-strategies/

https://www.law.com/2025/10/10/paul-weiss-kirkland-skadden-push-back-on-latest-democratic-lawmaker-letters/

https://www.law.com/2025/10/14/big-laws-c-suite-shifts-focus-as-ai-impact-spreads/

https://www.thelawyer.com/youre-not-ready-for-the-ipo-rebound/

Thank you for listening.

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.

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.

 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-2025-03-20/ - UK fines law firm Herbert Smith Freehill’s unit for Russia sanctions breach

https://www.thelawyer.com/trump-targets-third-law-firm-as-paul-weiss-loses-security-clearances/  - Trumps Targets third law firm s Paul Weiss Loses security clearances

https://www.thelawyer.com/nine-firms-cut-diversity-wording-after-trump-probe/ - Nine firms cut diversity wording after Trump probe

https://www.legalbusiness.co.uk/uncategorised/kirkland-ellis-surges-ahead-as-revenue-hits-8-8bn-and-pep-jumps-16/ - Kirkland & Ellis surges ahead as revenue hits $8.8 b and PEP jumpers 16%

Apologies for the audio issues in the episode, normal service will resume next week!

Thank you for listening.

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 executive order that threatened a major law firm, the surge in US law firms expanding into London and its impact on job moves, and reports that Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds could face a hefty fine for allegedly lying on his CV.

Thank you for listening.

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.

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.

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.

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 being drawn between US and European law firms as a result of Trump's second term.

Thank you for listening.

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/international-edition/2025/01/06/kpmg-law-us-targets-alternative-business-licence-shaking-up-legal-status-quo/
• https://www.thelawyer.com/your-rates-are-unsustainable/
• https://www.thelawyer.com/a-new-global-order-is-here-to-stay/
• https://www.law.com/international-edition/2025/01/05/the-quiet-revolution-private-equitys-calculated-push-into-law-firms/

Thank you for listening.

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.

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.

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 upcoming market trends to watch out for.

If you'd like to get in contact with Sean, his details are as follows:

Sean McGuiness 

Investment Manager, Senior Legal Counsel

OMNI BRIDGEWAY

Link House, Level 2, 78 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ
M +44 7725 340 688
E smcguiness@omnibridgeway.com
www.omnibridgeway.com

Thank you for listening.

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.

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 cases, including the BHP case regarding the dam disaster in Brazil, as well as how the SRA is handling the Post Office and Axiom Ince cases.

Thank you for listening.

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 you for listening.

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 they walk the talk when it comes to diversity and inclusion.

Thank you for listening.

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.

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 Teasdale, Hogan Lovells and A&O Shearman.

Thank you for listening.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.

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 (Enforceability) Bill following the announcement of a general election in July.

Thank you for listening.

 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, they cover the official announcement of the A&O Shearman merger and the recent significant salary increases for Newly Qualified lawyers across the city. 

Thank you for listening.

 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 GCs to better navigate those issues. 

Thank you for listening.