Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Lawsy Originals

In this episode, Colin Gibson, who until recently was Head of Disputes at Fieldfisher, shares his journey from joining the firm as a trainee in 1997 to becoming a board member and one of its most senior litigators.

Colin reflects on what it takes to build a long-term career within a single law firm — from embracing early opportunities and finding the right practice area, to navigating partnership and leadership responsibilities over nearly three decades.

He discusses the evolution of Fieldfisher from a 40-partner London firm to a global business and what young lawyers often misunderstand about progression, mentorship and developing a reputation internally.

The conversation explores life as a disputes lawyer, including commercial litigation, arbitration and high-stakes client work — as well as the mindset required to handle pressure, uncertainty and complex client relationships.

Colin also shares candid views on hybrid working, law firm culture and why being physically present in the office still matters for junior lawyers developing their careers.

The episode dives into the impact of AI on the legal profession, from document review and pricing models to the broader question of how law firms will adapt in the years ahead.

Finally, Colin offers practical advice for trainees and junior lawyers — including how to deal with uncertainty early in your career, the importance of enthusiasm and resilience as well as why learning to take criticism well is essential for long-term success.

00:00 Introduction
00:30 Meet Colin Gibson: Head of Disputes at Fieldfisher
02:00 Staying at One Firm for 30 Years
05:00 Training Contract and Early Career Experience
09:00 Mentorship and Learning as a Trainee
13:00 Choosing a Practice Area
17:00 Discovering Litigation and Arbitration
21:00 Early Responsibility and Client Exposure
25:00 How Law Firms Have Evolved
30:00 Becoming a Partner: What Changes?
34:00 Skills Needed to Succeed in Law
38:00 Life as a Commercial Litigator
42:00 Building a Client Base and Business Development
47:00 Law Firm Growth, Strategy and Mergers
52:00 Culture at Fieldfisher
56:00 AI and the Future of Law
01:01:00 Pricing, Efficiency and Changing Client Expectations
01:05:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers
01:08:00 Career Reflections and Looking Ahead

In this episode, Adrianus shares his journey from starting his legal career in the Netherlands to becoming a partner advising on financial services, fintech and crypto across the Middle East.  

From the early days of domestic law firms to the rise of global legal networks, Adrianus explains how the industry has evolved — and what it’s like to be part of building financial centres from scratch in places like Dubai.  

He discusses his experience as a regulator, working on market infrastructure such as Euronext and how globalisation has reshaped both legal practice and financial markets.  

The conversation also explores the rapid development of the Middle East as a financial hub, including its approach to regulation, virtual assets and innovation in areas like crypto and payments.  

Finally, Adrianus shares practical advice for junior lawyers on taking ownership of their careers, embracing hard work and navigating long-term professional growth.  

00:00 Introduction  
00:30 Adrianus’ Early Career and Why He Chose Law  
02:00 Training as a Lawyer in the Netherlands  
04:30 Life as a Trainee in the Early 2000s  
07:00 The Rise of Big Law in Europe  
10:00 Becoming a Financial Markets Lawyer  
12:00 Moving into Regulation and Euronext  
15:00 Why Adrianus Moved to Dubai  
18:00 Building a Financial Centre from Scratch  
21:00 Life and Work in Dubai  
25:00 Working Across the Middle East  
28:00 Differences in Clients and Markets  
32:00 The Growth of Financial Services in the Region  
35:00 Crypto, Virtual Assets and Regulation  
40:00 Market Confidence and the Role of Regulators  
45:00 How Financial Markets Are Evolving  
50:00 Working at DLA Piper in the Middle East  
53:00 What Makes a Successful Lawyer Today  
57:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
01:01:00 Career Reflections and Looking Ahead  

In this episode, Martin Dowdall, a financial services regulatory partner at Taylor Wessing, shares his journey through the legal industry, specialising in payments, fintech, crypto and financial regulation.

From studying Russian at university to training at a Silver Circle firm and working across Magic Circle and US firms, Martin explains how he found his niche in financial services regulation and why non-law backgrounds can be a real advantage in the profession.

He discusses the differences between top-tier law firms, the rise of US firms in London and how the legal market has evolved over the past decade. Martin also shares insights into working with fast-growing fintech and crypto companies and how advising these clients differs from traditional financial institutions.

The conversation explores what clients actually value from lawyers, the importance of clear and practical advice and how reputation and network drive long-term success in private practice.

Martin also reflects on his first year as a partner — the challenges, responsibilities beyond legal work and the mindset shift required to succeed at that level.

Finally, he shares his perspective on AI in law, the future of crypto regulation and why experience, curiosity and strong communication skills remain critical in an evolving industry.

00:00 Introduction
00:20 Meet Martin Dowdall: FinTech & FS Regulatory Lawyer
01:00 From Russian Degree to Law
03:00 Discovering Financial Services Regulation
06:00 Magic Circle vs Silver Circle
08:30 Rise of US Law Firms in London
10:00 Skills Needed to Succeed in Law
12:00 Mentors and Career Development
18:30 Moving into Payments, FinTech and Crypto
20:00 First Year as a Partner
23:00 Winning Clients and Building a Network
26:00 What is Financial Services Regulation?
27:30 FinTech vs Traditional Banking Clients
33:00 Working with Crypto Founders
37:00 The Future of Crypto Regulation (UK & EU)
41:00 AI in the Legal Industry
47:00 Career Highlights
53:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers
59:00 What’s Next in FinTech and Regulation

In this episode of the Legal Aura Podcast, Peter Jackson, former CEO of Hill Dickinson, shares his remarkable journey in the legal industry. 

From starting his career as a trainee in Liverpool to leading Hill Dickinson through exponential growth, Peter discusses his strategic decisions, the role of mentorship, cultural importance in mergers and the evolution of law firm operations. 

He also touches on personal challenges, such as almost leaving the firm early in his career and adapting to new media tools for modern legal practice. 

Finally, Peter reflects on his future post-CEO plans and the importance of adapting to change while maintaining core values.

00:00 Introduction to the Legal Aura Podcast
00:20 Meet Peter Jackson: Leading Hil Dickinson
01:02 Peter Jackson's Early Life and Education
11:48 Navigating Law School and Early Career Challenges
16:56 The Evolution of Law Firm Culture
18:42 Training and Mentorship in the Legal Profession
31:55 Acquisitions and Mergers: Growing Hil Dickinson
41:48 Investing in Business and Workforce
42:05 Evaluating Lateral Hires and Acquisitions
42:58 Challenges in Client Retention
43:31 Due Diligence and Client Feedback
47:32 Cultural Fit and Values in Hiring
48:52 Personal Career Reflections
52:09 Leadership and Mentorship
01:00:00 Media and Personal Branding for Lawyers
01:14:06 Summary and Future Plans

In this episode, Eleanor Wilson, associate at Mishcon de Reya specialising in intellectual property litigation, shares her unconventional route into law and explains how an early fascination with copyright and creativity led her into the world of IP litigation.

Ellie reflects on discovering intellectual property law while still at school through literature, theatre and music, including negotiating copyright permissions for a youth theatre production and later developing a deep interest in how law protects creative works and innovation.

The conversation explores her non-linear career path through academia, policy and legal practice, including working at the Law Commission of England and Wales on intellectual property reform before qualifying as a solicitor.

Ellie discusses the importance of staying open-minded early in your career, trying different practice areas and pursuing genuine interests rather than simply following traditional legal career paths.

Ellie also shares the unusual story of how helping a family member with a motorcycle-related IP dispute ultimately led to her securing a training contract at a specialist boutique IP firm in Leeds.

The conversation explores the differences between working in a small boutique firm, a major US law firm and a UK international firm, including the trade-offs between responsibility, scale of work, culture and work-life balance.

The episode also provides a fascinating insight into the breadth of intellectual property law, from fashion and music to food, software, trademarks, patents and confidential information disputes.

Ellie discusses some of the major cases she has worked on, including the high-profile trademark dispute between Adidas and fashion designer Thom Browne involving stripe branding and trademark validity.

The conversation explores how intellectual property law affects industries people may not immediately associate with IP, including food and drink, luxury brands, retail, technology and pharmaceuticals.

Ellie also explains concepts including passing off, geographical indications and trade secrets, while discussing famous examples involving champagne, halloumi, oat milk and even lemon-shaped juice bottles.

A major focus of the discussion is AI and legal technology, including the growing disputes surrounding AI training data, copyright ownership and the future regulation of generative AI systems.

Ellie shares her perspective on how lawyers are actually using AI tools in practice today, including document comparison, proofreading and research assistance, while warning against over-reliance on AI-generated writing and applications.

The episode also explores blockchain technology, NFTs and the potential future role of distributed ledgers in recording ownership and protecting intellectual property rights.

Finally, Ellie discusses her pro bono work supporting small businesses and students through legal clinics, reflects on the importance of clear communication in legal advice and shares advice for aspiring lawyers on authenticity, curiosity and finding the right career path.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Eleanor Wilson & Her Route Into IP Law  
01:00 Discovering Copyright Through Dickens & Theatre  
02:00 Negotiating Copyright Permissions at 17  
03:00 Policy, Academia & The Law Commission  
04:00 Keeping an Open Mind Early in Your Career  
06:00 Working at the Law Commission  
07:00 Unjustified Threats & IP Enforcement  
09:00 The Motorcycle Dispute That Led to a Training Contract  
11:00 Publishing Legal Writing & Building a Profile  
14:00 Training at a Boutique IP Firm in Leeds  
16:00 Moving to Kirkland & Ellis  
17:00 US Law Firm Culture & High Performance Expectations  
18:00 Joining Mishcon de Reya  
19:00 Major IP Litigation & Confidential Information Cases  
20:00 Adidas vs Thom Browne Explained  
22:00 Fashion, Branding & Trademark Disputes  
23:00 Why Food Law is Full of IP Issues  
24:00 Champagne, Halloumi & Oat Milk Disputes  
26:00 Patent Litigation & International Enforcement  
29:00 AI, Copyright & Training Data Disputes  
32:00 Blockchain, NFTs & Ownership Verification  
35:00 Evergreening, Patents & Pharmaceutical IP  
39:00 AI Tools in Legal Practice  
42:00 Pro Bono Work & Supporting Small Businesses  
44:00 Giving Clear Advice to Clients  
46:00 Final Reflections & What’s Next  

In this episode, Tristan Dollie, partner in Brown Rudnick’s special situations team, explains what “special situations” actually means in practice and why some of the most interesting deals in the market sit outside conventional legal structures.

Tristan breaks down the three broad categories of special situations work and explains how his team combines legal expertise with investment banking and commercial advisory experience to help clients structure and execute unconventional transactions.

The conversation explores the types of clients Brown Rudnick works with, including high net worth individuals, family offices, entrepreneurs and opportunistic investment funds, as well as how these relationships differ from working with traditional institutional clients.

Tristan shares insights into how the firm sources work and develops client relationships, including travelling internationally to meet investors in places like Monaco and Dubai and why face-to-face interaction remains essential in a relationship-driven market.

The episode dives into how special situations lawyers often go beyond purely legal work — sourcing opportunities, introducing equity partners, speaking to lenders and helping clients identify off-market assets and investment opportunities.

Tristan explains how this approach differs from the traditional image of transactional law and why entrepreneurial thinking, commercial awareness and creativity are becoming increasingly valuable skills within modern legal practice.

Tristan reflects on the unpredictability of deals in the special situations world, sharing examples of transactions that evolved completely differently from how they were originally structured and why adaptability is essential when operating in this environment.

Tristan also discusses what makes a successful special situations lawyer, including curiosity, comfort with ambiguity and the ability to think creatively across multiple disciplines rather than simply applying standard precedents.

The conversation then turns to broader market trends, including the growing investor interest in healthcare assets, care homes and alternative real estate investments, as well as the evolving future of offices, retail and mixed-use developments.

Tristan shares insights into how shopping centres and retail assets are adapting post-COVID, including the increasing focus on entertainment, food and beverage offerings and experiential destinations rather than traditional retail alone.

Finally, Tristan reflects on the changing nature of legal careers, why some of the most interesting opportunities exist outside traditional law firm structures and how young lawyers can differentiate themselves through commercial thinking and relationship building.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Tristan Dollie & Brown Rudnick  
01:00 What is a Special Situations Team?  
02:00 Complex Transactions, Distress & Litigation-Linked Deals  
03:00 Working with Difficult Jurisdictions & Sanctions Issues  
04:00 How Clients Are Sourced  
05:00 Monaco, Dubai & Relationship-Driven Business Development  
06:00 High Net Worth Individuals vs Institutional Clients  
08:00 Bringing Additional Value Beyond Legal Advice  
10:00 Sourcing Deals, Assets & Financing Opportunities  
12:00 Lawyers Acting Like Investment Bankers  
13:00 Entrepreneurial Law Firms vs Traditional Models  
14:00 Brown Rudnick’s Approach to Dealmaking  
15:00 What Makes a Good Special Situations Lawyer?  
17:00 Why Curiosity & Creativity Matter  
18:00 Working with Ultra High Net Worth Clients  
20:00 How Different These Transactions Really Are  
21:00 A Real Deal That Completely Changed Structure  
23:00 Flexibility, Negotiation & Commercial Thinking  
24:00 Hiring Lawyers from Non-Traditional Backgrounds  
25:00 Market Trends: Healthcare & Care Homes  
26:00 Retail, Offices & Alternative Asset Classes  
27:00 E-Gaming, Shopping Centres & Experiential Retail  
28:00 Why Retail Isn’t Dead  
29:00 Final Reflections & Career Advice  

Mark Stephens, Partner at Howard Kennedy — On Human Rights, Creative Law and Driving Social Change

In this episode, Mark Stephens, partner at Howard Kennedy, shares his unconventional journey into law, from growing up around the music industry to founding his own law firm at just 24 years old.

Mark explains how his early interest in art, media and culture led him to specialise in areas where law intersects with politics, reputation, freedom of expression and public pressure. He has built a career focused on solving difficult and often unconventional problems.

He reflects on setting up Stephens Innocent as a young lawyer, the realities of building a law firm from scratch and why advocacy experience in the magistrates’ courts became foundational to his development as a litigator and strategist.

Mark also discusses his approach to legal innovation, including working across multiple practice areas rather than remaining confined to narrow specialisms. He explains why many of the most interesting and impactful legal problems sit between traditional legal disciplines.

The episode dives into some of the strategic litigation and human rights cases Mark has worked on throughout his career, including cases involving miners’ rights, LGBTQ+ rights in Botswana, child marriage protections in India and freedom of expression matters involving authoritarian regimes.

The conversation also explores Mark’s work in media law, public commentary and television appearances, including how legal communication has changed over the decades and why making the law accessible to the public remains critically important.

A major part of the discussion focuses on cultural property and repatriation disputes, including the Parthenon Marbles, Benin Bronzes and other artefacts removed during the colonial era. Mark explains the legal, moral and political arguments surrounding repatriation and why attitudes within major institutions are gradually changing.

Mark also discusses modern geopolitical challenges, including authoritarianism, international law, freedom of speech, crypto funding in politics and the risks posed by social media algorithms and AI-driven information systems.

Finally, Mark reflects on the future of the rule of law, the responsibilities of lawyers in defending democratic institutions and why intellectual curiosity, adaptability and moral conviction remain essential qualities for the next generation of lawyers.

00:00 Introduction  
01:00 How Mark Was “Tricked” Into Law  
02:00 Founding a Law Firm at 24  
03:00 Art Law, Media and Creative Industries  
05:00 Early Advocacy Experience in Court  
07:00 Why Young Lawyers Need Broad Experience  
08:00 First Court Appearances & Learning Advocacy  
10:00 Cookie Cutter Lawyers vs Legal Innovation  
12:00 Strategic Litigation & Shaping the Law  
15:00 Working with John Mortimer & Media Appearances  
18:00 High Profile Cases vs Impact Cases  
20:00 Miners’ Rights & Margaret Thatcher Era Litigation  
21:00 Human Rights Work in Botswana & India  
25:00 Law, Morality and Social Change  
27:00 Big Law, Salary Culture & Career Satisfaction  
30:00 International Broadcasting & Iran International  
32:00 Cross-Border Litigation & International Law  
35:00 Working with Courts, Judges & Legal Reform  
40:00 Howard Kennedy & Building a Modern Firm  
45:00 Cultural Property & The Parthenon Marbles  
55:00 Media, LinkedIn & Public Commentary  
01:08:00 Crypto, Politics & Influence Campaigns  
01:12:00 AI, Algorithms & Critical Thinking  
01:14:00 Current Human Rights Cases & Final Reflections  

In this episode, Tim Foden, partner at Boies Schiller Flexner in London, shares his unconventional journey from a blue-collar upbringing in Philadelphia to becoming a leading international arbitration lawyer working on high-stakes disputes around the world.

Tim discusses his early career experiences, including working in the mailroom at Sullivan & Cromwell while at university, gaining exposure to law firm life before even qualifying, and later developing hands-on advocacy skills as an insurance defence litigator arguing cases in US courts almost immediately after being called to the bar.

He reflects on the challenges of breaking into Big Law after initially pursuing public interest law, and how roles in the US federal courts helped him build core skills in legal writing, advocacy and international disputes.

He now practises at Boies Schiller Flexner, a disputes-only firm founded by David Boies, Jonathan Schiller and Donald Flexner, where he focuses on international arbitration and investor-state disputes.

Tim’s practice centres on representing companies whose investments have been interfered with by foreign governments, often involving disputes under bilateral investment treaties and proceedings before World Bank arbitration bodies. His work spans regions including Africa, the Americas, Australia and Central Europe, often involving politically sensitive and high-risk situations.

A significant part of the conversation focuses on career development — from mastering the fundamentals of drafting and legal analysis to building long-term client relationships. Tim shares candid insights into business development, emphasising that trust, authenticity and consistency matter far more than superficial networking.

He also discusses the importance of autonomy in legal careers, how building a personal client base can transform both professional and personal life and why adaptability is essential in a rapidly changing global legal landscape.

Finally, Tim offers practical advice for junior lawyers: focus on mastering your craft, develop genuine relationships early in your career and understand that long-term success in law requires a combination of technical excellence, commercial awareness and human skills.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Tim Foden: Career Overview  
02:00 Qualifying in the US & Move to London  
03:30 Early Career: Mailroom at Sullivan & Cromwell  
07:30 First Legal Roles & Courtroom Experience  
10:00 Public Interest Law & Career Pivot  
13:00 Federal Court Experience & Legal Writing  
14:30 Joining Crowell & Moring  
16:00 Moving into International Arbitration  
17:30 Move to London & Allen & Overy  
20:00 Training, Structure & Learning English Law  
23:30 Move to Quinn Emanuel  
25:00 Business Development & Client Relationships  
26:30 Launching LALIVE London Office  
27:30 Joining Boies Schiller Flexner  
29:00 Disputes-Only Model & Trial Strategy  
32:00 What is Investor-State Arbitration?  
34:00 Global Practice & Client Base  
36:00 Arbitration vs Litigation & Transparency  
38:30 Enforcement of Awards Against States  
41:00 Geopolitics & Natural Resource Disputes  
44:00 Crisis Management in Practice  
46:30 Business Development Philosophy  
50:00 Building Long-Term Relationships  
52:30 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
56:00 Autonomy, Career Progression & Lifestyle  
59:00 Final Reflections & What’s Next  

In this episode, Mark Hunting, partner at Bracewell in London, shares his journey from training at Hogan Lovells to building a career spanning private practice, in-house at bp and back into private practice.

Mark specialises in white collar crime, investigations and regulatory compliance, working on matters including bribery, corruption, fraud, money laundering and sanctions, with a particular focus on the energy sector.

He reflects on his early career in disputes, the value of hands-on advocacy experience and why being in the office plays a critical role in developing junior lawyers through exposure, mentorship and informal learning.

The conversation explores his move to Ropes & Gray, where he joined a small and entrepreneurial London team, gaining early responsibility in business development and client relationships.

Mark then shares insights from his time in-house at bp, including the increased responsibility, decision-making exposure and commercial impact that comes with working inside a global organisation, as well as the differences in career progression compared to private practice.

The episode dives into his return to private practice at Bracewell, where he is building a white collar crime and investigations practice in London within a highly specialised energy-focused firm.

Mark also provides a detailed look into his practice area, including internal investigations, dealing with regulators such as the Serious Fraud Office and Department of Justice, and the increasing complexity of sanctions and global compliance.

The conversation explores major trends shaping the legal landscape, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain risk, sanctions enforcement and the growing challenges of operating across multiple jurisdictions.

Mark also shares insights into the energy sector, including innovation in oil and gas, the rise of renewables and the increasing risk of fraud in areas such as carbon credits and sustainability-linked projects.

A significant part of the discussion focuses on AI and legal tech, where Mark explains how he uses AI in practice, from document review and investigations to coding in Excel and improving efficiency, while cautioning against over-reliance on AI for core legal reasoning and advocacy.

Finally, Mark offers practical advice for junior lawyers, including the importance of mastering detail, gaining broad experience early in your career and investing in long-term relationships both inside and outside the firm.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Mark Hunting: Career Overview  
01:00 Training at Hogan Lovells & Early Career  
03:00 Life as a Trainee & Importance of Office Culture  
05:00 Moving to Ropes & Gray  
06:30 Working in a Small, Entrepreneurial Team  
08:00 Moving In-House to bp  
10:00 Responsibility, Decision-Making & Meritocracy  
12:00 In-House vs Private Practice  
13:00 Returning to Private Practice at Bracewell  
14:00 What Bracewell Does & Energy Focus  
15:30 Overview of White Collar Crime & Investigations  
17:00 Global Work: Africa, Middle East & Energy Sector  
18:00 Role as a Magistrate & Early Responsibility  
20:00 Geopolitics, Sanctions & Global Compliance  
23:00 Supply Chains, Regulation & Risk  
26:00 Energy Transition, Renewables & Fraud Risks  
30:00 Innovation in Oil & Gas  
33:00 AI in Legal Practice: Use Cases & Limitations  
38:00 AI, Efficiency & Investigations  
43:00 Training Lawyers in an AI-Driven World  
48:00 Pricing, Billing & Law Firm Economics  
54:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
58:00 Building Relationships & Career Development  
01:00:00 Final Reflections & What’s Next  

In this episode, David Savage, Head of Construction at Charles Russell Speechlys, shares his journey from construction chambers to building and leading a top-tier construction practice within an international law firm.

From working at Shell before university to training at one of London’s leading construction chambers, David explains how early exposure to business and industry shaped his approach to law and client relationships.

He reflects on his transition into private practice, including the realities of pupillage, competition for tenancy and the decision to move into a fast-growing law firm environment.

David shares insights from his time helping to scale a construction team and what it takes to build, lead and grow high-performing legal teams.

The conversation explores his move to Charles Russell Speechlys, where he effectively built a construction team from scratch, navigating the challenges of starting without an existing client base and developing a practice through entrepreneurial thinking and business development.

David also discusses law firm mergers, including the strategic, cultural and operational considerations behind combining firms and scaling internationally.

The episode covers the evolving role of AI in legal practice, how firms are training lawyers in prompt engineering and why the human elements of law — trust, judgement and client relationships — remain critical.

David shares practical insights into construction law, including how lawyers balance black letter law with commercial realities and why understanding the business context is essential to delivering value to clients.

The conversation also dives into personal branding, LinkedIn and modern business development — including why authentic content can outperform traditional law firm marketing.

Finally, David offers advice for junior lawyers on developing commercial awareness, embracing AI, building relationships and taking advantage of opportunities both online and in person.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet David Savage: Career Overview  
01:00 Working Before University & Early Experience  
04:30 Life at the Construction Bar  
08:00 Moving from Chambers to Law Firms  
10:00 Building a High-Growth Construction Team  
12:00 Learning from Entrepreneurial Partners  
14:00 Business Development & Building a Network  
16:00 Moving to Charles Russell Speechlys  
19:00 Building a Team from Scratch  
21:00 Growth, Leadership and Scaling a Practice  
23:00 Law Firm Mergers: Strategy and Challenges  
27:00 AI in Law and Legal Tech Adoption  
30:00 Training Lawyers in Prompt Engineering  
33:00 The Impact of AI on Legal Careers  
37:00 Overview of Charles Russell Speechlys  
41:00 What Construction Lawyers Actually Do  
45:00 Commercial Awareness vs Black Letter Law  
48:00 Business Development and Personal Branding  
52:00 LinkedIn, Authenticity and Building a Brand  
56:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
01:00:00 Career Reflections and What’s Next  

In this episode, Tom Platts, an international M&A partner at Stevenson Harwood, shares his journey through the legal industry, working across London, Singapore and emerging markets over a 20+ year career.

From training at Herbert Smith to leading cross-border transactions across Asia, Tom explains how he built an international practice and why keeping an open mind early in your career is critical to long-term success. 

He discusses the realities of trainee life, choosing a practice area and why many junior lawyers struggle with the decision of what to specialise in. Tom also shares insights into working across jurisdictions, including his experience opening an office in Myanmar and advising on complex transactions in developing markets. 

The conversation explores how the role of a lawyer evolves over time—from technical legal work to becoming a commercial advisor, managing clients and building a book of business.

Tom also reflects on the changing culture of law firms, the importance of business development, and how AI is beginning to reshape the legal industry. 

Finally, he shares his Walk-to-Talk.com initiative, a global project focused on mental health and raising funds for dementia support. 

00:00 Introduction
00:30 Tom Platts’ Career Journey
03:00 Life as a Trainee Lawyer
07:00 Choosing a Practice Area
12:00 Moving to Singapore & International Work
18:00 Building a Career in Emerging Markets
25:00 Myanmar & Cross-Border Legal Work
32:00 Work Culture in Law Firms
38:00 Business Development & Making Partner
45:00 AI in the Legal Industry
52:00 Walk to Talk & Mental Health Initiative
58:00 Career Advice for Junior Lawyers

In this episode, Duncan, Global Co-Chair of the International Disputes Group at Duane Morris, shares his journey from training as a barrister in London to building a global career across leading US law firms.

From his early days at the Bar to spending over two decades in private practice, Duncan explains why he transitioned into US firms and how that shaped his exposure to international work, advocacy and client relationships.

He discusses the key differences between barristers and solicitors, the evolution of legal practice and why owning the full lifecycle of a dispute can deliver better outcomes for clients.

The conversation explores international arbitration in depth — what it is, how it works in practice and why it has become a preferred method of resolving cross-border disputes. Duncan also breaks down how arbitration compares to litigation, including speed, enforceability and flexibility.

Duncan shares insights from building teams across multiple firms, including his recent move to Duane Morris and the opportunity to help shape a truly global disputes practice spanning London, the US and Asia.

The episode also covers major trends shaping the legal industry, including the rise of AI, legal tech and third-party funding — as well as the opportunities and risks these bring for lawyers at all levels.

Finally, Duncan reflects on career highlights, the importance of mentorship and authenticity in advocacy and offers practical advice for junior lawyers looking to succeed in international arbitration and beyond.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Duncan: Career Overview  
01:00 Why Become a Barrister  
03:00 Moving into US Law Firms  
05:00 Barrister vs Solicitor  
07:30 Early Career, Mentors & Client Exposure  
10:00 Becoming a Partner & Winning Work  
12:00 Moving Firms & Building Teams  
14:00 Joining Duane Morris & Global Strategy  
16:30 What is International Arbitration?  
20:00 How Arbitration Works (Rules, Tribunals, Clauses)  
25:00 Arbitration vs Litigation  
28:00 Life as an Advocate  
32:00 Trends: AI & Third-Party Funding  
35:00 London & English Law Globally  
38:00 AI in Practice & Legal Tech Tools  
45:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
48:00 The Vienna Moot  
51:00 Career Highlights  
58:00 Final Advice & Reflections  

In this episode, Ian Bagshaw shares his remarkable career journey from accidental lawyer to Managing Partner of Perkins Coie London, offering a fascinating perspective on how technology, talent and culture are reshaping the legal profession.

Ian reflects on working his way into law through an unexpected route and beginning his career at Eversheds before becoming one of the youngest partners at Clifford Chance. He went on to lead Private Equity at Linklaters, serve as Global Head of Private Equity at White & Case and after four years outside private practice, returned to launch Perkins Coie’s London office.

The conversation explores the evolution of private equity over the last three decades, from management buyouts to today's private capital market and how client relationships and business development have always been at the heart of successful legal careers.

Ian explains why he believes the future belongs to lawyers who build trust rather than simply provide technical advice, arguing that AI will make legal expertise more accessible while making judgement, relationships and commercial awareness even more valuable.

A major focus of the episode is Perkins Coie's innovative approach to training junior lawyers. Ian discusses the firm's Legal Business Analyst programme, which accelerates qualification while teaching not only legal skills but also the business of law, client service and relationship building from day one.

The discussion challenges many traditional assumptions about legal training. Rather than expecting trainees to learn through repetition and low-level tasks, Ian argues that simulation, on-demand learning and AI-powered coaching can dramatically accelerate development and create more confident, capable lawyers.

He shares how Perkins Coie is using technology to transform legal education, from gamified learning platforms and virtual internships to AI avatars that coach communication, emotional intelligence and business skills. Drawing comparisons with professional sport and aviation, Ian questions why lawyers should continue learning primarily "on the job" when other industries rely heavily on simulation and structured training.

The conversation also explores how AI is changing legal practice beyond document review. Ian explains why the biggest opportunity is not simply using tools like Harvey or Legora but redesigning legal workflows, creating scalable playbooks and removing repetitive tasks so lawyers can focus on higher-value client relationships and strategic advice.

Beyond private practice, Ian discusses his time helping build Zero Gravity, the social mobility organisation founded on the principle that "talent is everywhere, opportunity isn't." He explains how technology is being used to create virtual internships that could give thousands of aspiring lawyers access to meaningful legal work experience regardless of their background.

Throughout the episode, Ian returns to a central theme: that the future of law belongs to firms which prioritise talent development, embrace innovation and create cultures where collaboration, coaching and continuous learning replace hierarchy and repetition.

00:00 Introduction  
00:30 Meet Ian Bagshaw  
01:00 An Accidental Route Into Law  
02:30 From Eversheds to Magic Circle  
04:00 Discovering Private Equity  
05:30 Cold Calling & Early Business Development  
07:00 Why Client Relationships Still Matter  
09:00 Building a Network & Origination  
12:00 The Importance of Being Relevant  
13:00 Life After Big Law  
14:00 Launching Perkins Coie London  
17:00 Building a Startup Culture Inside a Law Firm  
18:30 The Legal Business Analyst Programme  
21:00 Teaching the Business of Law  
24:00 AI, Sales & The Future Lawyer  
27:00 Innovation Beyond Harvey & Legora  
30:00 Productising Legal Services  
33:00 Why NDAs Shouldn't Take Hours  
36:00 Client Experience Starts With Talent Experience  
38:00 Rethinking Junior Lawyer Training  
40:00 Simulators vs Learning on Live Matters  
42:00 Gamified Learning & Virtual Training  
44:00 AI Avatars & Emotional Intelligence Coaching  
47:00 Why Traditional Training Is Changing  
48:00 Measuring Talent Instead of Attrition  
50:00 Homegrown Lawyers vs Buying Talent  
52:00 Building Zero Gravity  
54:00 Social Mobility & Legal Careers  
55:00 Virtual Internships for Thousands of Students  
57:00 The Future of Legal Education

In this episode, Catherine Casazza shares her remarkable journey from aspiring actor to senior legal counsel at Fidelity International, offering an honest look at life across private practice, international opportunities and the investment management industry.

Catherine reflects on growing up in Rhode Island before heading to the University of Southern California, initially pursuing acting before discovering mock trial and later the law. After graduating, she worked as a paralegal at Davis Polk in New York, where she was unexpectedly thrown into the world of derivatives and structured products.

The conversation explores her experiences at the SEC, Cahill Gordon & Reindel and Sidley Austin, including relocating to Sydney to practise US capital markets law abroad. Catherine shares what it was really like working in offices overseas, balancing demanding workloads with the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures.

Catherine discusses joining Kirkland & Ellis and transitioning from representing banks and financing sources to advising private equity-backed issuers. She reflects candidly on why she decided private practice was no longer the right fit and how she knew it was time to move in-house.

A major focus of the episode is her current role at Fidelity International. Catherine provides a fascinating insight into life as buy-side counsel, sitting directly on the trading floor and advising investment teams on debt investments, high-yield bonds and restructurings.

The discussion highlights how in-house lawyers often move beyond black-letter law to provide practical, risk-based guidance to internal stakeholders.

Catherine also reflects on the cultural differences between private practice and in-house roles, including abandoning the billable hour, adapting to hot-desking and learning to thrive in a collaborative environment where colleagues become both teammates and internal clients.

The conversation explores how AI is changing legal practice, with Catherine sharing how she uses Microsoft Copilot and Harvey AI in her day-to-day work. From drafting emails and improving clarity to reviewing lengthy offering memoranda, she explains how these tools are enhancing efficiency while raising important questions about training the next generation of lawyers.

Beyond her legal career, Catherine discusses co-founding Muses in the City, a network bringing together women across London's professional community through arts, culture and heritage experiences. She reflects on the importance of finding your tribe, creating leadership opportunities outside the office and building meaningful relationships through shared interests.

Finally, Catherine shares thoughtful advice for aspiring lawyers and trainees: stay curious, avoid rigid career plans, embrace opportunities when they arise and approach networking as an extension of friendship rather than a transactional exercise.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Catherine Casazza & Her Route Into Law  
01:00 From Acting to Political Science  
02:00 Working at Davis Polk as a Paralegal  
03:00 Discovering Derivatives & Structured Products  
04:00 Studying for the LSAT & Cornell Law School  
05:00 The US Route to Qualification Explained  
06:00 Summer Associateships & The SEC  
08:00 Mock Trial, Acting & Communication Skills  
10:00 Early Career Lessons in Authenticity  
13:00 Moving to Sydney with Sidley Austin  
15:00 Life in a US Satellite Office Abroad  
18:00 Returning to New York  
19:00 Relocating to London & Joining Kirkland  
21:00 Transitioning from Sell Side to Buy Side  
22:00 Moving In-House at Fidelity International  
23:00 Life as Buy-Side Counsel  
24:00 Understanding High-Yield Bonds  
26:00 Investor Protections & Covenants Explained  
28:00 Trading Floors vs Law Firms  
30:00 Building Relationships with Internal Clients  
33:00 The Benefits of Going In-House  
35:00 Commercial Advice vs Black Letter Law  
39:00 Risk Tolerance & Business Judgement  
42:00 AI, Copilot & Harvey in Legal Practice  
46:00 The Future of Junior Lawyer Training  
52:00 Muses in the City & Leadership Outside Work  
56:00 Advice for Trainees & Young Lawyers  
59:00 Networking as Friendship  
01:01:00 Awards, Recognition & Giving Back  
01:03:00 What's Next for Catherine?  

Heidi Daryanani, Future Trainee Solicitor at RPC — On Paralegal Experience, Training Contracts and Standing Out in Applications

In this episode, Heidi shares her journey from growing up between India, Ireland and the UK to securing a training contract at RPC, offering practical advice for aspiring lawyers navigating the increasingly competitive route into commercial law.

Heidi reflects on discovering commercial law through years of study and practical experience rather than following a predetermined plan. She explains why spending time inside law firms, working alongside lawyers and reflecting on what genuinely interests you is often the best way to determine whether a legal career is the right fit.

The conversation explores Heidi's experiences working as a paralegal at both a leading US law firm and a specialist human rights practice. She discusses working on the UK COVID-19 Inquiry, helping prepare witness questions and submissions, before moving into high-value international arbitration and complex commercial litigation at a US firm.

Heidi explains why paralegal experience can provide far more than legal knowledge. From drafting documents and managing clients to understanding billing, communication and the commercial realities of legal practice, she highlights how these experiences build confidence long before starting a training contract.

A major focus of the episode is the competitive paralegal job market. Heidi shares the challenges of applying after graduation, the importance of persistence and how working with recruitment agencies, remaining open-minded and being willing to start in document review helped launch her legal career.

The discussion also explores how candidates can use paralegal experience effectively during training contract applications. Heidi explains how she linked her practical experience to the firm's strengths, demonstrated genuine interest in litigation and arbitration, and used conversations with trainees and recent judgments to show commercial awareness and preparation.

The conversation offers valuable insights into how law firms assess candidates beyond academic performance. Heidi explains why understanding how firms operate as businesses, appreciating client relationships and recognising the commercial pressures faced by lawyers helped strengthen both her applications and interviews.

Throughout the episode, Heidi emphasises the importance of resilience during the application process. She discusses how rejection is an inevitable part of pursuing a training contract and why candidates should focus on objective self-improvement rather than assuming every rejection reflects their ability.

Finally, Heidi shares practical advice for aspiring lawyers: stay persistent, keep building experience wherever possible, remain open to unexpected opportunities and remember that it only takes one firm to recognise your potential.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Heidi Daryanani  
01:00 Why Commercial Law?  
02:00 Working as a Paralegal  
03:00 The COVID-19 Inquiry Experience  
04:00 Human Rights vs US Law Firms  
05:00 Skills You Gain as a Paralegal  
06:00 Finding Your First Paralegal Role  
07:00 Recruitment Agencies & Document Review  
08:00 Standing Out in Applications  
09:00 Using Paralegal Experience in Interviews  
10:00 Litigation, Arbitration & Commercial Awareness  
11:00 Understanding Law Firms as Businesses  
12:00 Building Practical Legal Skills  
13:00 Dealing with Rejection & Staying Resilient  
14:00 Final Advice for Aspiring Lawyers  

Yusuf Serang, Future Trainee Solicitor at Fieldfisher — From India to a Training Contract in the UK

In this episode, Yusuf shares his inspiring journey from Mumbai to securing a training contract at Fieldfisher, offering practical advice for aspiring lawyers on networking, academic success and standing out in competitive applications.

Yusuf reflects on moving to the UK as an international student to study law at Swansea University and explains how he approached university with an open mind, exploring different areas of legal practice before discovering that commercial law best matched his interests in solving business problems and helping clients achieve their objectives.

The conversation explores how gaining experience at a high street firm, an international in-house legal team and across different commercial practice areas helped him refine his career goals and develop a genuine understanding of what commercial lawyers actually do.

Yusuf also discusses the challenges of building a professional network from scratch in a new country. From travelling across the UK to attend networking events to finding mentors and even securing legal work experience through conversations at his part-time job, he explains why curiosity and consistently asking questions opened doors throughout his career.

A major focus of the episode is academic excellence. Yusuf explains how a chance conversation during his first year at university transformed his mindset and ultimately led him to graduate top of his cohort with the highest overall average. He breaks down the four key ingredients of a first-class law essay and shares practical advice that any law student can apply to improve their grades.

The conversation also explores interview preparation, with Yusuf explaining why self-awareness became his greatest advantage. Rather than memorising model answers, he reflects on how analysing every work experience, identifying lessons learned and understanding his own strengths enabled him to answer unexpected interview questions with confidence.

Yusuf also challenges one of the biggest myths surrounding training contract applications—that only legal work experience matters. Drawing on his experience working in a timber yard, he explains how transferable skills such as communication, attention to detail, organisation and problem solving can be just as valuable when presented effectively in interviews.

Throughout the episode, Yusuf emphasises the importance of reflecting on experiences rather than simply listing responsibilities, showing how any role can demonstrate commercial awareness, resilience and client-focused thinking.

Finally, Yusuf shares practical advice for aspiring lawyers, encouraging students to stay curious, take every opportunity available, build meaningful relationships and remember that consistent self-reflection is often the difference between a good application and an exceptional one.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Yusuf Serang  
01:00 Why Commercial Law?  
03:00 From India to Swansea University  
04:00 Building a Network from Scratch  
05:00 Finding Mentors & Work Experience  
06:00 What Yusuf Would Do Differently  
07:00 Graduating Top of His Cohort  
09:00 The Four Ingredients of a First-Class Essay  
10:30 Developing Critical Analysis  
11:00 Self-Awareness for Interview Success  
12:30 Preparing for Assessment Centres  
13:00 Why Non-Legal Experience Matters  
14:00 Transferable Skills from a Part-Time Job  
15:00 Turning Timber Sales into Interview Success  
16:00 Practical Advice for Aspiring Lawyers  
17:00 Final Reflections  

Dana Altunisi, Future Trainee Solicitor at Dentons — From Professional Ballet to Securing a Training Contract

In this episode, Dana Altunisi shares her journey securing a training contract at Dentons, explaining how she navigated the solicitor vs barrister decision, leveraged her international background and found ways to stand out in one of the most competitive graduate recruitment markets.

Dana reflects on entering law without always knowing commercial law was the right path. Through university, mini pupillage and vacation schemes, she gradually realised that the intellectually challenging, collaborative and international nature of commercial law was a far better fit for her personality and long-term ambitions.

The conversation explores why she ultimately chose the solicitor route after completing seven mini pupillages. Dana compares life at the Bar with working in commercial law firms, discussing the importance of teamwork, cross-border work and building long-term professional relationships.

Dana also shares practical advice for students deciding between becoming a solicitor or barrister, explaining why speaking to junior lawyers, gaining real work experience and understanding the realities of both application processes is far more valuable than relying on common misconceptions.

The episode dives into the differences between mini pupillage and vacation schemes, highlighting how the two experiences develop different skills and why vacation schemes provide a much broader insight into life inside a commercial law firm.

A major focus of the discussion is standing out as an international candidate. Dana explains how speaking Arabic, English, French and Spanish became much more than a line on her CV by demonstrating cultural awareness, adaptability and her ambition to build a future career working across the Middle East.

The conversation also explores how candidates can differentiate themselves during applications. Rather than focusing solely on legal knowledge, Dana explains why her background as a professional ballet dancer became one of the strongest parts of her interviews, allowing her to demonstrate discipline, resilience and performing under pressure in a memorable way.

Dana also shares detailed insights into Dentons' direct training contract assessment centre, explaining why she preferred the assessment centre format over vacation schemes and offering practical preparation strategies, including building a master document of competency questions, learning commercial terminology and practising interview answers out loud.

Finally, Dana reflects on the inevitable rejection that comes with applying for training contracts. She encourages aspiring lawyers to accept setbacks as part of the process, remain resilient and remember that success often comes after many unsuccessful applications.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Dana Altunisi  
01:00 Why Commercial Law?  
02:00 Solicitor vs Barrister  
03:00 Seven Mini Pupillages Later  
04:00 Mini Pupillages vs Vacation Schemes  
05:00 Using Languages to Stand Out  
06:00 Building an International Career  
07:00 Professional Ballet & Transferable Skills  
08:00 Standing Out in Applications  
09:00 Dentons' Direct Assessment Centre  
10:00 Preparing for Assessment Centres  
11:00 Commercial Awareness & Technical Questions  
12:00 Practising Interview Technique  
13:00 Dealing with Rejection  
14:00 Final Advice for Aspiring Lawyers

Hasti Mozhdehi, Future Trainee Solicitor at Latham & Watkins — From Retail Management to Securing a Training Contract

In this episode, Hasti Mozhdehi shares her journey to securing a training contract at Latham & Watkins, explaining how leadership experience outside law, a focused application strategy and genuine relationship building helped her stand out.

Hasti reflects on discovering commercial law during her gap year while working her way up from sales associate to store manager in retail. Managing a retail business exposed her to financial performance, commercial decision-making, employment issues and risk management, giving her an early understanding of how law and business work together.

The conversation explores Hasti's unique journey with Latham, beginning with the firm's first-year scheme before becoming a campus brand ambassador, completing a vacation scheme and ultimately securing a training contract. She explains why remaining committed to one firm allowed her to develop meaningful relationships and gain a deeper understanding of its culture.

Hasti also discusses what initially attracted her to Latham, from its combination of US firm expertise and full-service practice areas to its commitment to continuous professional development. She explains why the firm's investment in training at every stage of a lawyer's career made a lasting impression.

A major focus of the episode is application strategy. Rather than applying to dozens of firms, Hasti explains why she prioritised quality over quantity, concentrating on firms where she had a genuine motivation to apply and investing significant time researching what truly differentiated each one.

The conversation also explores how candidates can make non-legal experience stand out. Hasti explains how her management background developed leadership, communication, emotional intelligence and commercial awareness—skills that proved invaluable throughout the recruitment process.

Hasti shares practical advice for students preparing for vacation schemes, including taking ownership of opportunities, managing workloads effectively and balancing networking, workshops and assessed tasks while maintaining enthusiasm throughout the programme.

The discussion also highlights the importance of commercial awareness, proactive learning and using resources such as Forage virtual work experiences to develop practical legal knowledge before applying to firms.

Throughout the episode, Hasti returns to one central theme: building genuine relationships. From trainees and partners to reception and support staff, she explains why taking the time to connect with everyone in a firm creates a far more rewarding experience and leaves a lasting impression.

Finally, Hasti shares advice for aspiring commercial lawyers on researching firms properly, reflecting on your own experiences and remembering that technical ability alone is never enough—successful candidates are also approachable, collaborative and genuinely interested in the people around them.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Hasti Mozhdehi  
01:00 Why Commercial Law?  
02:00 Retail Management & Commercial Awareness  
03:00 Hasti's Journey with Latham  
04:00 Why Latham & Watkins?  
05:00 Training, Culture & People  
06:00 Quality vs Quantity in Applications  
07:00 Standing Out Through Leadership Experience  
08:00 Using Forage & Building Commercial Awareness  
09:00 Researching Law Firms Properly  
10:00 Converting a Vacation Scheme  
11:00 Managing Workload & Taking Initiative  
12:00 Building Relationships Across the Firm  
13:00 Being Personable During a Vacation Scheme  
14:00 Final Advice for Aspiring Lawyers  

Fleur Florin, Future Trainee Solicitor at Norton Rose Fulbright — On Standing Out, Securing a Training Contract and Building a Legal Career

In this episode, Fleur swaps the interviewer's chair for the guest seat to reflect on the biggest lessons she's learned from interviewing aspiring lawyers and future trainees who have successfully secured training contracts at leading law firms.

Fleur explains that one theme emerged consistently throughout every conversation: the strongest candidates all had a genuine reason for pursuing commercial law. Rather than chasing the profession for prestige or salary, they had developed authentic interests through books, work experience, university or part-time jobs and that enthusiasm naturally came across during interviews and assessment centres.

The conversation explores how candidates can improve their communication skills, from reducing filler words and becoming more articulate to practising interview answers by speaking aloud. Fleur shares the technique she used to prepare for assessment centres and vacation schemes, including talking to herself in the mirror every day and discussing recent Financial Times and Bloomberg stories to build confidence and fluency.

The episode also dives into the importance of body language and presentation during interviews. Fleur explains why making eye contact with the camera during video interviews, improving posture and practising confident communication can make a significant difference throughout the recruitment process.

A major focus of the discussion is standing out during assessment centres and vacation schemes. Fleur explains why applicants should avoid becoming either invisible or overbearing during group exercises, instead aiming to be collaborative, personable and someone that colleagues would genuinely enjoy working alongside.

The conversation explores how aspiring lawyers can differentiate themselves long before submitting an application. Fleur argues that building a broad range of experiences—through part-time jobs, leadership positions, sport, societies, internships and open days—creates stronger interview answers and demonstrates genuine commercial awareness far more effectively than academic results alone.

Fleur also shares practical advice on networking and integrating into law firms during vacation schemes, including proactively joining firm societies, attending social events and making genuine connections with people across the business rather than focusing exclusively on lawyers.

The discussion highlights the growing importance of understanding businesses from the inside. Whether working in retail, hospitality, construction or another industry, Fleur explains how commercial work experience helps aspiring lawyers understand clients, communicate more effectively and develop practical commercial awareness.

Finally, Fleur encourages aspiring lawyers to stop waiting for opportunities to appear. From cold-emailing companies for work experience to attending open days and building skills outside the classroom, she explains why consistent initiative and persistence often separate successful applicants from everyone else.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Lessons from Interviewing Future Trainees  
01:00 Finding Your Genuine Motivation  
02:00 Speaking with Confidence  
03:00 Practising for Interviews  
04:00 Body Language & Video Interviews  
05:00 Standing Out at Assessment Centres  
06:00 Confidence Without Being Overbearing  
07:00 Building a Strong CV Beyond Academics  
08:00 Why Sport & Leadership Matter  
09:00 Networking During Vacation Schemes  
10:00 Understanding Businesses & Clients  
11:00 Cold Outreach & Finding Work Experience  
12:00 Taking Initiative Early in Your Career  
13:00 Final Advice for Aspiring Lawyers  

Louis Sheridan, Future Trainee Solicitor at Paul, Weiss — On Private Equity, Commercial Awareness and Writing Standout Applications

In this episode, Louis Sheridan shares his journey to securing a training contract at Paul, Weiss, explaining how a genuine fascination with private equity, relentless curiosity and a distinctive approach to commercial awareness helped him stand out during one of the most competitive recruitment processes in the legal industry.

Louis reflects on the exact moment he decided to pursue commercial law after listening to The Caesars Palace Coup, a book exploring one of the largest leveraged buyouts and corporate restructurings in history. That experience sparked a deep interest in private capital, debt finance and the technical side of commercial law, leading him to immerse himself in finance, accounting and credit analysis alongside his legal studies.

The conversation explores how Louis approached applications to elite US law firms, explaining why candidates should never self-select out of applying simply because a firm's intake appears highly competitive. Instead, he argues that authenticity, conviction and concise writing are far more powerful than relying on generic phrases or repeating facts that graduate recruiters already know.

Louis also explains what differentiates Paul, Weiss in the London market, discussing its reputation for advising leading private equity sponsors, complex financing transactions and sophisticated cross-border deals. He shares why the firm's transactional focus perfectly matched his long-term interests.

A major focus of the episode is developing genuine commercial awareness. Rather than reading the news to memorise headlines, Louis explains how he followed topics that genuinely interested him, using books, Bloomberg newsletters, podcasts and court hearings to build a deeper understanding of finance and commercial transactions.

The discussion also explores how candidates can discover the practice areas that genuinely interest them. Louis encourages aspiring lawyers to read widely, remain curious and pursue subjects that naturally capture their attention rather than feeling pressured to specialise too early.

Louis shares practical advice on using commercial awareness during vacation schemes, explaining that the goal is not to impress lawyers with technical knowledge but to have thoughtful conversations, ask intelligent questions and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the work.

The conversation also provides valuable insights into what to expect during a vacation scheme, from reviewing transaction documents and carrying out legal research to working with supervisors across different practice areas. Louis explains why preparation should focus less on predicting technical tasks and more on developing professionalism, curiosity and strong communication skills.

Throughout the episode, Louis returns to one central message: aspiring lawyers should think independently. Whether writing applications, researching firms or developing commercial awareness, he argues that original thinking and genuine interest will always stand out more than rehearsed answers or well-worn clichés.

Finally, Louis shares advice for future applicants on writing with impact, staying intellectually curious and remembering that successful applications are built on authenticity rather than trying to say what recruiters want to hear.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Louis Sheridan  
01:00 The Book That Led Him to Commercial Law  
02:00 Why Private Equity & Debt Finance?  
03:00 Applying to Paul, Weiss  
04:00 Writing Authentic Applications  
05:00 Standing Out Through Strong Writing  
06:00 What Makes Paul, Weiss Different?  
07:00 Discovering a Practice Area  
08:00 Building Genuine Commercial Awareness  
09:00 Reading Beyond the FT  
10:00 Using Commercial Awareness on Vacation Schemes  
11:00 Conversations vs Showing Off Knowledge  
12:00 What to Expect on a Vacation Scheme  
13:00 Preparing for Legal Tasks  
14:00 Final Advice for Aspiring Lawyers  

In this episode, Russell Warren, Tax Partner at King & Spalding, explains why tax sits at the heart of private capital transactions and shares how the role of a modern tax lawyer extends far beyond advising on legislation.

Russell begins by explaining his practice, advising private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real estate and other alternative investment funds throughout the entire investment lifecycle. From raising capital and structuring funds to acquisitions, portfolio management and exits, he explains why tax lawyers play a central role in helping private capital businesses achieve their commercial objectives.

The conversation explores the rapid growth of private capital over the past decade, including the expansion of private credit and the increasing number of investment strategies available to institutional investors. Russell explains why long-term confidence in private markets remains strong despite short-term liquidity challenges and economic uncertainty.

A major focus of the discussion is how tax lawyers collaborate across law firms. Rather than working in isolation, Russell explains why tax specialists sit alongside corporate, funds and finance lawyers, becoming involved from the earliest stages of transactions to identify risks, improve structures and deliver better commercial outcomes for clients.

Russell also reflects on the culture at King & Spalding and why collaboration was one of the main reasons he joined the firm. He discusses how successful legal teams depend on genuine cooperation between different practice areas and why clients increasingly expect integrated advice rather than isolated technical expertise.

The episode also explores one of the biggest recent developments in UK tax law: the reform of carried interest taxation. Russell explains how government consultations shape legislation, why tax rules continue to evolve and how advisers help clients navigate complex regulatory changes while remaining firmly within the boundaries of acceptable tax planning.

The conversation examines the changing nature of tax advice over the past two decades, including the increasing focus on anti-avoidance legislation, commercial substance and the responsibilities placed on professional advisers. Russell explains the difference between legitimate tax planning, aggressive avoidance and criminal tax evasion, highlighting how the profession has changed significantly throughout his career.

Beyond technical law, Russell shares why personal branding has become an increasingly important part of professional life. After joining King & Spalding, he began writing consistently on LinkedIn to demonstrate expertise, maintain relationships and show clients the human side of legal practice through stories, humour and practical insights.

The discussion explores why building a network should begin from the earliest stages of a legal career. Russell argues that today's trainees, junior associates and clients often become tomorrow's business leaders and work providers, making long-term relationship building one of the most valuable investments any lawyer can make.

Finally, Russell shares practical advice for aspiring lawyers: start building your personal brand early, nurture genuine relationships throughout your career and remember that technical excellence may win respect but authenticity, collaboration and trust are what build lasting client relationships.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Russell Warren  
01:00 What Does a Private Capital Tax Lawyer Do?  
03:00 Private Equity vs Private Credit  
04:00 Liquidity & Long-Term Investment Trends  
05:00 Where Tax Fits Within a Law Firm  
06:00 Why Collaboration Matters  
08:00 Tax Lawyers as Commercial Advisers  
10:00 King & Spalding's Collaborative Culture  
12:00 Carried Interest Explained  
15:00 Tax Planning vs Tax Avoidance  
18:00 How Tax Law Has Changed  
20:00 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn  
22:00 Why Lawyers Should Post Earlier  
24:00 Long-Term Relationship Building  
27:00 Final Advice for Aspiring Lawyers  

In this episode, Darren Rogers, Head of Real Estate in London at McDermott Will & Schulte, shares the career decisions that shaped his journey from trainee to leading one of the firm's fastest-growing practice areas.

Darren reflects on qualifying outside London before making the move to the City, explaining why he left a structured environment at CMS after just six months to join a smaller, fast-growing team. He discusses how that decision accelerated his career by giving him greater responsibility, earlier client exposure and the confidence to lead major transactions at a young age.

The conversation explores the importance of backing yourself when opportunities arise. Darren shares how taking calculated career risks, embracing responsibility and being willing to step outside his comfort zone helped shape his progression to partnership.

A major focus of the discussion is client relationship building. Darren explains why technical legal ability is only the starting point, arguing that the best lawyers invest time in understanding clients as people, developing authentic relationships and building a personal brand that extends beyond the firm's reputation.

The episode also explores leadership and mentoring. Darren reflects on developing junior lawyers, encouraging them to negotiate directly with clients, make mistakes early and build confidence through experience rather than relying solely on carefully drafted emails.

Darren discusses several pivotal moments throughout his career, including defending major client relationships after a team split and later making the move into US law firms as the legal market became increasingly global. He explains why he believed US firms would fundamentally reshape London's legal landscape and how that prediction has played out over the past decade.

The conversation examines the cultural differences between UK and US firms, particularly around entrepreneurship, client ownership and long-term relationship building. Darren explains why trusted adviser relationships are built on authenticity, friendship and understanding clients' motivations rather than simply delivering high-quality legal advice.

The episode also explores how the real estate market is evolving. Darren discusses the growing convergence between traditional real estate and infrastructure, with data centres becoming one of the most important asset classes as demand for AI infrastructure continues to accelerate.

He also explains how liquidity challenges, ESG requirements and higher interest rates are reshaping investment strategies, driving increased interest in preferred equity, secondaries, value-add opportunities and brown-to-green redevelopment projects.

Finally, Darren reflects on the competing priorities facing the built environment, including balancing AI infrastructure, sustainability, housing demand and industrial development. He argues that lawyers advising real estate clients increasingly need to understand not just property law, but the wider commercial, political and technological forces reshaping the global economy.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Darren Rogers  
01:00 Training Outside London  
02:00 Moving to Cameron McKenna  
03:00 Taking a Career Risk Early  
04:00 Learning Through Responsibility  
05:00 Building Client Relationships  
06:00 Personal Brand vs Firm Brand  
07:00 Mentoring Junior Lawyers  
08:00 Defending Major Client Relationships  
09:00 Becoming a Partner  
10:00 Moving into US Law Firms  
12:00 Why US Firms Changed London  
14:00 Trusted Adviser Relationships  
16:00 The Future of Real Estate  
18:00 Data Centres & AI Infrastructure  
20:00 Liquidity, ESG & Investment Trends  
22:00 Brown-to-Green Redevelopment  
24:00 AI vs Sustainability Priorities  
27:00 Final Reflections & Career Advice  

In this episode, Will explains how the private capital industry has evolved over the past two decades and why the most successful law firms are rethinking how they advise clients, develop talent and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

Will begins by demystifying asset management, breaking down the different types of investment funds and explaining why private capital has become one of the fastest-growing areas of the legal industry. He explores the rise of private equity, private credit, infrastructure and real estate funds and why global investors continue to allocate increasing amounts of capital to alternative assets.

The conversation examines how law firms structure asset management teams and why specialist expertise has become essential as clients demand increasingly sophisticated advice. Will explains why no individual lawyer can master every discipline, making collaboration across tax, regulation, finance, risk and fund formation more important than ever.

A major focus of the discussion is how Travers Smith has deliberately positioned itself differently from many competitors. Rather than attempting to be everything to everyone, Will explains why the firm focuses on providing tailored advice across different types of fund managers, from emerging boutiques to established global investment houses, matching services to each client's specific needs.

The episode also explores the future of legal careers. Will argues that junior lawyers should avoid becoming trapped performing repetitive work for too long, instead seeking broad exposure across different matters to develop judgement, commercial awareness and adaptability. He explains why learning to identify opportunities and keeping career options open will become increasingly important as the legal profession continues to evolve.

The conversation turns to artificial intelligence and the profound impact it will have on legal practice. Rather than replacing lawyers, Will believes AI will accelerate routine work while making judgement, communication and trusted adviser relationships even more valuable. He also discusses the challenge facing law firms: ensuring junior lawyers still develop the depth of experience needed to become exceptional advisers in an AI-assisted world.

Will also reflects on how the business of law has changed over the past twenty years. He discusses increasing international competition, changing partnership models and the growing pressure on firms to prioritise short-term financial performance, while arguing that long-term investment in people, client relationships and sustainable growth remains the strongest foundation for success.

The discussion explores broader trends shaping private capital, including industry consolidation, expanding investment strategies and the growing democratisation of private markets. Will explains how increasing access for wealth managers and individual investors is reshaping fund structures and creating new opportunities across the industry.

Finally, Will shares practical advice for aspiring lawyers: think carefully about every career move, keep learning, avoid becoming pigeonholed too early and remember that the lawyers who thrive over the long term are those who continually adapt while building trusted relationships with clients and colleagues alike.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Will Normand  
01:00 What Does an Asset Management Lawyer Do?  
03:00 Understanding Private Capital  
05:00 How Asset Management Teams Are Structured  
07:00 Choosing the Right Clients & Work  
09:00 Why Specialists Beat Generalists  
10:30 Training Better Junior Lawyers  
12:00 AI & The Future of Legal Practice  
14:00 Why Judgement Still Matters  
16:00 Building Trusted Advisers  
18:00 The Changing Law Firm Model  
21:00 Long-Term Careers vs Short-Term Thinking  
24:00 Trends in Private Capital  
27:00 Consolidation & New Investment Strategies  
31:00 Democratising Private Markets  
35:00 Final Reflections & Career Advice