Explore every episode of the podcast The Non-Billable Podcast

Julian Taylor is senior partner at Simmons & Simmons and one of the City’s most highly regarded employment lawyers. He’s spent over 25 years at the firm and has had a front-row seat to the transformation of the legal profession. In this episode, he shares candid views on the forces reshaping the industry, from the rise of AI to the battle for the best talent.

Julian explains how Simmons is embedding AI into its work - from in-house tools like “Percy” to partnerships with legal tech providers - and why firms that fail to adapt could struggle to survive. He also talks about how AI is changing pricing models, client expectations, and the types of work law firms can take on.

Julian calls newly qualified lawyer pay in some parts of the market “crazy”, warns about the talent market distortions it creates, and explains why Simmons takes a different approach to competing for junior lawyers. He also reflects on the impact of US firms in London and how their intense profitability targets are reshaping the market.

We finish with a discussion on culture and flexibility - including the unique part-time arrangement Julian has maintained for nearly two decades - and why he believes adaptability and openness to change are now non-negotiable for any lawyer building a long-term career.

Chapters

00:01 Introduction

01:15 Julian’s Background and Career

03:21 Simmons' Financial Performance and Sector Focus

06:33 The Role of AI in Law

11:15 Pricing and Client Expectations in the Age of AI

15:10 Building vs. Buying Legal Tech Solutions

19:13 The Future of AI in the Legal Profession

24:58 Training the Next Generation of Lawyers

28:37 Attracting and Retaining Talent in a Changing Landscape

32:39 Flexible Work Arrangements and Work-Life Balance

37:45 ‘Crazy’ NQ Pay And The Impact of US Firms on the Legal Market

43:05 Looking Ahead: Goals for the Future

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

Private equity and other forms of external capital are moving into the legal sector - a shift that is very likely to reshape law firm strategy. In this episode, we speak with Travis Lenkner, chief development officer at Burford Capital, the world’s largest provider of legal finance, about why investors are increasingly eyeing law firms and what that means for the market.

Travis shares his unique perspective, having worked as a litigator at Gibson Dunn, served as senior counsel at Boeing, co-founded litigation funder Gerchen Keller Capital (later acquired by Burford), and launched his own law firm before rejoining Burford in 2024.

Now focused on exploring potential equity investments in law firms, Travis explains the forces driving investor interest - from the UK’s long-standing ABS regime to growing recognition of law as a professional services market ripe for consolidation and technology-led transformation.

We discuss the different ends of the market attracting attention, from private equity-backed regional roll-ups to strategic growth capital for top-tier global firms. Travis explains why Burford prefers minority stakes, the kinds of structures that make sense for law firms wary of losing control, and how outside capital can fund strategic hires, technology investment and geographic expansion. He also tackles the challenges of the traditional partnership model and the cultural shifts required to align incentives with long-term growth.

Finally, Travis offers insights on the evolving US market - where regulatory constraints mean law firm investment often looks different - and why he expects both markets to develop rapidly in the next five years.

Chapters

00:45 Introduction to Travis And Career Journey

02:31 Understanding Burford Capital's Role in Legal Finance

04:50 The Financial Model Behind Litigation Funding

05:46 The Rise of External Capital in Law Firms

06:12 Investment Strategies for Law Firms

09:13 The Future of Law Firms in a Competitive Market

13:46 The Evolving Landscape of Law Firm Investments

17:28 Navigating Risks in Law Firm Dynamics

19:20 Understanding Investor Exit Strategies

24:14 Burford's Unique Position in Legal Investments

25:26 Targeting Growth in Boutique Law Firms

29:35 The Future of the US Legal Market

34:24 Burford's Portfolio in Five Years

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

Ross McNairn is the founder and CEO of Wordsmith, one of the fastest-growing legal AI startups in Europe. In this episode, Ross shares how Wordsmith is rethinking the in-house legal function - not just with automation, but with a new model for how legal teams can triage and respond to the rest of the business using AI agents.

We talk through the challenges of in-house legal teams, why Wordsmith is laser-focused on corporate legal rather than law firms, and how AI assistants are shifting legal from being perceived as a blocker to a true business enabler. Ross also explains how their customers - including companies like Trustpilot - are using the platform to improve responsiveness and efficiency across functions.

Ross opens up about raising $25 million from Index Ventures, how Wordsmith became the fastest Scottish company to hit a $100 million valuation, and why they’ve been disciplined about staying lean, product-led, and focused on usage over hype. He also shares his thoughts on legal AI funding trends, the law firm vs in-house tech split, and the future of generalist vs vertical solutions in the space.

Whether you’re a GC thinking about legal AI adoption, a lawyer eyeing a career move into tech, or just curious about how legal is changing from the inside, this is a conversation with a founder building at the forefront of the industry.

Chapters

00:45 From Law to Software

00:53 The Role of AI in Legal Workflows

02:11 Introducing Wordsmith

05:08 AI Agents: Enhancing Legal Productivity

08:08 Customer Success Stories: Real-World Impact of Wordsmith

10:57 Sales Strategy: Building Trust in Legal Tech

13:55 Funding and Future Plans: Scaling Wordsmith

16:30 Building a Lean Company

17:27 Hiring for Legal Intelligence

19:06 Motivations For People Joining Wordsmith

20:50 Competitors in the Legal Tech Space

21:17 Wordsmith's Suite of Tools

22:16 Future of Legal Tech Solutions

23:38 Impact of Recent Partnerships in Legal Tech

26:02 Data Needs for In-House Legal Teams

28:00 Investment Boom in Legal Tech

29:27 Wordsmith's Strategy for Success

32:31 Trends in Legal Tech

33:25 Hiring Challenges at Wordsmith

34:01 Vision for Wordsmith in 2030

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

In this episode, we’re joined by Adil Taha, a former investment banker, private equity executive and one of the most experienced PE figures operating in the UK legal sector today.

Adil has led or been involved in multiple private equity transactions across professional services, including the turnaround of several law firms and the recent high-profile rescue of Rosenblatt out of failing listed group RBG Holdings.

We dive into the mechanics of private equity in law - how deals are structured, what PE firms are really looking for, and why so many are focused on buy-and-build strategies in the regional market. Adil gives a candid assessment of what’s working, what isn’t, and why we’ve yet to see a successful PE exit in UK legal.

He also unpacks the challenges of law firm listings, the hidden risks of the full-service model, and why relationship-driven businesses don’t always fit neatly into financial engineering. Finally, we talk about the opportunity Adil sees at the top end of the market: building a lean, high-performance boutique from scratch. For investors, firm leaders, and ambitious lawyers alike, this is an inside look at how private capital is reshaping the business of law.

Chapters

00:45 Adil’s Background and First Law Firm Rescue

02:15 The Rosenblatt Rescue

03:51 The Rise of PE in Legal Post-COVID

06:27 Where PE is Investing Today

09:09 Exit Challenges and Lack of Trade Sales

11:45 Why Law Firm IPOs Don’t Work

14:39 The Culture Clash Between Law and Public Markets

16:08 Trade Sales vs PE: Who’s Buying?

19:03 Why MBOs May Be the Only Exit Path

21:21 Could PE Ever Buy a Top 30 Firm?

23:09 Lessons from DWF and Who’s Vulnerable

25:39 Exit Options for Larger Firms

27:39 How PE Transactions Work in Practice

30:39 How Deals Are Structured: Day One, Rollovers, Earn-Outs

34:45 The Case for Building a Super Boutique from Scratch

37:57 The Super Boutique Vision and Timing

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

In this episode, we’re joined by Ed Parker, managing director at Fides Search and one of the most trusted headhunters in the City legal market.

With nearly two decades of experience advising on partner and team moves, Ed brings a nuanced, data-driven perspective on how top firms are growing, and what that means for lawyers navigating their careers.

We explore the structural shifts happening across the partner talent market, from the aggressive expansion of US firms in London to the growing importance of team moves and due diligence in lateral hiring. Ed explains why some firms are placing massive bets on high-performing partners, how they price those hires, and what really determines whether a client book will travel.

For ambitious associates, this episode is packed with insight. Ed shares honest advice on timing your move, the risks of chasing quick promotions, and how to position yourself for long-term success - whether that’s through internal promotion or switching platforms. He also unpacks the rise of non-equity partnerships and what clients really care about when it comes to partner titles.

Finally, we touch on where the market is headed in the second half the year, from fast-moving jurisdictions like Saudi and Luxembourg to the enduring pull of London as a legal hub. If you're interested in the economics, strategy, and personal dynamics behind law firm hiring, this is one not to miss.

Chapters

00:45 Introduction & About Fides Search

03:45 What Headhunting Actually Involves

07:15 Building a Practice from Scratch

10:15 The State of the Partner Market in 2025

14:15 UK Firms: Adapting or Falling Behind?

17:30 Team Moves vs. Individual Lateral Hires

21:15 The Economics of Big Hires

25:45 Is This an Existential Threat to UK Firms?

30:15 The Rise of Non-Equity Partners

35:15 Advice for Ambitious Associates

43:45 Market Outlook for H2 2025

47:45 Connect with Ed & Fides Search

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

In this episode, we sit down with Richard East, the founding partner of Quinn Emanuel’s London office - the litigation powerhouse that has gone from a 2008 startup to one of the UK’s most profitable disputes firms, with revenues topping £220 million last year. Richard shares how he built the practice from scratch during the height of the financial crisis.

We discuss Quinn Emanuel’s distinctive model: no corporate teams, no panels, no conflicts - and no apologies about taking on the banks. Richard explains why that singular focus has been so powerful, and how the firm’s “door-to-door” approach to marketing - cold-calling and in-person meetings - helped them land early clients that fuelled their growth.

Richard also opens up about recruiting and compensation, including why Quinn refuses to follow the Cravath scale, why they pay comfortably above Magic Circle firms, and why entrepreneurial mindset is non-negotiable for new partners. He describes a culture that rewards independence and drive - and expects associates to own cases, not just take instructions.

We wrap up with Richard’s thoughts on competition, the evolution of the Magic Circle, and what comes next. He shares why he sees massive potential in using AI to stay ahead, why he isn’t afraid of giant mergers, and why after 17 years he still feels like there’s much more to build.

Chapters

00:40 Launching Quinn Emanuel London in 2008

04:00 Building a Litigation-Only Practice from Scratch

07:20 Marketing that Actually Works: Cold-Calling and Door-to-Door Meetings

11:00 Winning Early Clients During the Financial Crisis

14:40 How the Firm Thinks About Talent and Compensation

20:00 Culture, Independence, and Entrepreneurial DNA

24:30 Perspectives on the Magic Circle and Big Law Competitors

29:30 The Role of AI and the Future of Litigation

33:40 Leadership Lessons from 17 Years at the Helm

36:30 Ambition for the Next Chapter

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

In this episode, we speak with Jonathan Keen, head of international legal at Figma - one of the fastest-growing SaaS companies in the world. Jonny leads legal across EMEA, APAC, and Japan, supporting the business through constant product innovation, geographic expansion and a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

He shares what it’s really like to be the legal lead at a hypergrowth company, from negotiating major enterprise SaaS deals to navigating complex EU tech regulation. Jonny gives a behind-the-scenes view of how his team supports global scale, and what he looks for in the external law firms Figma relies on.

We also dive into legal tech and AI, and why Jonny cares more about lawyers who understand tech than what tools they use. He shares his view on how AI is impacting in-house teams, and what traits set great in-house lawyers apart.

Chapters

00:40 Jonny’s role at Figma

02:00 What legal looks like inside a rocketship

04:00 A typical day (if one exists)

06:30 Enterprise SaaS negotiations: fast and slow lanes

08:40 How legal supports the business without breaking it

10:00 Working with law firms: what matters

12:30 AI and legal tech at Figma

15:00 The EU regulatory wave

18:00 The compliance burden for mid-market companies

20:00 In-house vs private practice: what AI disrupts

23:00 What he looks for in new hires

25:00 Judgement, humility and curiosity

27:00 Advice for lawyers considering a move in-house

29:30 The future: what’s next for Jonny

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

In this episode, we sit down with Richard Mabey, the co-founder and CEO of Juro. A former Freshfields lawyer, Richard left private practice in 2013 to pursue an MBA and later joined LegalZoom, before launching Juro in 2016. Nearly a decade on, the company is now one of Europe’s leading legal tech startups, helping fast-scaling businesses automate their contract processes and manage legal work with a radically different approach.

Richard talks candidly about his founder journey - from teaching himself to code in the early days, to building a company that's now helping hundreds of legal teams deploy AI agents directly into tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams. We dig into how Juro thinks differently about contract lifecycle management, why Mabey believes the next generation of legal work will be agent-led, and what it really takes to get lawyers to embrace automation.

We also cover why Mabey thinks legal teams are being asked to do more with less, how agentic AI is already substituting junior-level tasks, and why the CLM category may be ripe for consolidation. Whether you're building legal tech, working in-house, or trying to understand what the future of legal work might look like, this episode is full of insight from one of the sector’s most thoughtful founders.

Chapters

00:30 Introduction: From Freshfields to Founding Juro

03:44 Starting Small: Building a Legal Tech Community

07:00 What Scale-Up GCs Really Care About

10:15 The Lawyer’s Role in an AI-First World

13:52 The Impact of Agentic AI on In-House Teams

17:05 The Training Problem for Junior Lawyers

21:10 The End of the Law Firm Pyramid?

24:30 How Juro’s Agents Actually Work

27:48 Replacing Low-Value Work with Automation

30:33 From Founder Doubts to Product Inflection

34:10 Building a Legal Tech Startup in the "Dark Ages"

36:45 Fundraising Lessons and Conviction in the Problem

39:30 How Juro Differs from Traditional CLMs

42:58 Defining the Agentic AI Opportunity

44:42 Why Legal Tech Will Consolidate (Eventually)

46:35 The Vision for Juro and the Future of Legal Work

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

Ian Bagshaw is a City law private equity partner now heading up the London office of US law firm Perkins Coie which he launched in 2024. A highly experienced corporate lawyer with nearly 30 years in the field, he is recognised for his leadership in the private equity market at both UK and US law firms.

Before joining Perkins Coie, he was co-head of private equity at White & Case, where he built one of London’s top private equity practices. Before that, he held senior roles at Linklaters (co-head of private equity) and was also a partner at Clifford Chance.

In this conversation, Ian discusses his return to law to lead Perkins Coie's launch in London, emphasising the strategic timing and focus on tech clients and founders. He shares insights on building a startup culture within the firm, the importance of talent experience, and the impact of private capital on the legal industry. Ian outlines his vision for the future of Perkins in Europe, highlighting the need for a differentiated approach in a competitive market.

Chapters

00:40 Introduction to Perkins Coie and London Launch

06:10 Focus on Tech Clients and Founders

13:10 Building a Startup Culture in a Law Firm

17:50 Training and Development Strategies for Talent

19:10 Vision for Perkins Coie in the Next Decade

22:20 Private Capital’s Impact on Big Law

28:44 Investment Dynamics and the Future of Law Firms

34:25 The Changing Landscape of Legal Practice

37:20 Advice for Junior Lawyers

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals, brought to you by a small team of former City lawyers and finance professionals.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

Shruti Ajitsaria is a partner at A&O Shearman and the head of Fuse, the firm’s legal tech incubator. Since launching Fuse in 2017, Shruti has helped A&O engage with over 60 startups, run dozens of pilots, and turn legal tech from a buzzword into a real driver of value for both lawyers and clients.

In this conversation, Shruti shares how she went from credit derivatives lawyer to leading one of the legal industry's most ambitious innovation programmes. She explains how Fuse works behind the scenes, why A&O Shearman was willing to take a risk on her idea, and what separates the legal tech startups that scale from those that stall.

We also get into how the merger with Shearman & Sterling is expanding Fuse’s reach, what clients really expect from law firms when it comes to tech, and why true innovation in legal isn’t just about adopting tools, but creating a culture that’s open to change.

Whether you’re a founder looking to partner with firms, a lawyer curious about the future of your role, or just someone interested in how a 100-year-old organisation builds like a startup - this conversation is well worth a listen.

Chapters

00:40 From Credit Derivatives to Legal Tech

03:20 How Fuse Was Born

06:17 Launching Fuse and Becoming Partner

08:15 What Makes a Startup Right for Fuse

09:40 Inside the Incubator: How Startups Work with A&O

12:00 Definely, StructureFlow & Building Success Stories

14:23 The Anatomy of a Great Legal Tech Founder

17:50 Fuse’s Impact Inside the Firm

20:41 Legal Tech as Strategy

22:25 Innovation Starts at the Top

26:26 The A&O Shearman Merger and US Expansion

28:23 What Clients Expect in 2025

20:05 Where Legal Tech Disruption Hits First

32:18 Bonus Round: Trends, Hype, and Career Advice

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals, brought to you by a small team of former City lawyers and finance professionals.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

In this episode, we speak with Philip Young - a former City litigation partner, founder of boutique firm Cooke, Young & Keidan, and now co-founder of Garfield AI, the first AI-powered law firm to gain regulatory approval from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Young shares the origin story behind Garfield, which began as a personal frustration with how hard it was for small businesses to recover unpaid debts - even when the law was clearly on their side. After retiring from CYK and taking a road trip across America, he encountered the first wave of generative AI tools and quickly saw the opportunity to build something game-changing: an intelligent assistant capable of running an entire small claims case, from letter before action to trial bundle.

We go deep on how Garfield works, the SRA’s lengthy but supportive approval process, and what it means for the legal industry that a product like this now exists. Young also explains why concerns about overwhelming the small claims courts are misplaced, how he sees AI improving rather than replacing legal work, and why he remains cautious about VC money despite a flurry of inbound interest.

With candid insights on access to justice, the role of human oversight, and how legal services might be delivered in the next decade, this is a conversation about a whole new category of legal services as much as it is about a new AI tool.

Chapters

00:45 From Law to Entrepreneurship: Philip Young's Journey

11:57 The Birth of Garfield AI: Inspiration and Development

24:13 Access to Justice and AI's Role

28:21 SRA Approval Process and Regulatory Challenges

33:30 Garfield's Vision and Future Products

39:45 The Future of Law and AI's Impact on Junior Lawyers

43:30 Finding Garfield and the Story Behind the Name

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals, brought to you by a small team of former City lawyers and finance professionals.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

Kerry Westland leads one of the most ambitious innovation functions of any major law firm - a 70-person team at Addleshaw Goddard dedicated to transforming how legal services are delivered (with and without tech).

In this episode, Kerry shares her journey from paralegal to head of innovation, and how AG has built out a tech strategy that blends vendor tools with homegrown solutions - including AGPT, the firm’s in-house AI assistant that’s now used across the business.

We talk through the evolution of AG’s legal tech stack, how the firm approaches ROI, the rise of GenAI, and the practical challenges of implementing new tools in a legacy profession. Kerry also reflects on what the future of the law firm might look like - and why she doesn’t believe in the “end of the people pyramid.”

From document automation to internal product development, from pricing models to practice group engagement, this is a look at how one of the UK’s top firms is operationalising innovation at scale.

Chapters

00:35 The Evolution of Legal Innovation

03:21 Defining Innovation in Law Firms

06:39 Day-to-Day Responsibilities of an Innovation Leader

09:26 Balancing Technology and Process in Legal Work

12:43 Addleshaw Goddard's Tech Stack Overview

15:30 Managing Technology Demands Across Practice Areas

18:33 Impact of Internal Tools on Legal Work

21:31 Adoption and Use Cases of AGPT

24:26 Cost Considerations in Legal Technology

27:19 Evaluating ROI on Legal Technology

30:17 Impact on Billable Hour Model

32:55 Productising Legal Technology

35:04 Disruption from AI in Legal Services

38:53 The Future of Junior Lawyers

40:38 Envisioning the Law Firm of 2035

44:11 Exciting Innovations in Legal Tech

48:46 Career Advice for Junior Lawyers

50:08 Overcoming Risk to Foster Innovation

51:32 Influential Reads in Legal Thinking

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals, brought to you by a small team of former City lawyers and finance professionals.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Limbert, general counsel at Fulham Football Club, to explore what it really means to be the top lawyer at a Premier League football club.

From leading transfer negotiations to protecting the club's brand and navigating ever-evolving regulations, Peter shares a rare look into one of the most complex in-house legal roles in the sports industry.

Peter discusses the intricacies of player transfers - including how deals are structured, what can go wrong, and why payment provisions and sell-on clauses are among the most hotly contested parts of any agreement.

He also breaks down the legal considerations behind shirt sponsorships, brand partnerships, and stadium development, as well as how Fulham enforces its intellectual property rights around the globe.

We also dive into the personal side of the job: how Peter transitioned from aspiring professional footballer to City litigator to Fulham’s first GC, and why he believes staying calm under pressure is the most underrated skill in sports law. He opens up about the realities of working in a highly competitive, emotionally charged environment - where results on the pitch can shape the legal department's week.

Whether you're an in-house lawyer, a sports law enthusiast, or just curious how Premier League clubs really operate behind the scenes, this is an unmissable conversation with someone at the heart of it all.

Chapters

00:40 From Football to Law: Peter's Journey

05:09 Transitioning to Fulham FC: The In-House Experience

08:13 The Role of Legal in Football: A Day in the Life

11:45 Navigating Legal Challenges in Premier League Football

16:27 Broadcasting Rights and Sponsorship: Revenue Streams

26:21 Understanding Player Transfers: The Legal Process

29:31 Jurisdiction and Legal Framework in Football Transfers

31:41 Mitigating Risks in Transfer Agreements

34:00 Funding and Financial Structures of Transfers

35:52 Challenges in Negotiating Transfer Agreements

38:03 The Role and Power of Agents in Transfers

39:38 Understanding Transfer Deadline Dynamics

44:14 The Evolving Landscape of Sports Law

46:31 The Premier League: A Thriving Product

48:37 Qualities of a Successful In-House Lawyer

49:46 Advice for Aspiring Sports Lawyers

51:35 Key Contract Clauses in Sports Law

52:32 The Importance of Pragmatism in Sports Law

54:41 Recommended Reading for Sports Lawyers

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals, brought to you by a small team of former City lawyers and finance professionals.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk/

In this conversation, we speak with Tom Goodhead, managing partner of Pogust Goodhead, one of the UK's fastest-growing litigation firms.

Tom shares the extraordinary story behind the firm’s rise - from his early days as a junior barrister handling slip-and-trip cases in Tesco to leading the largest class action in British legal history against mining giant BHP.

Speaking from Rio de Janeiro, Tom describes how a chance meeting with a Brazilian lawyer fighting for 6,000 fishermen turned into a sprawling international legal battle, ultimately securing a $550 million litigation funding deal with US hedge fund Gramercy.

He explains how Pogust Goodhead built the infrastructure to service tens of thousands of claimants across continents, why managing mass litigation is more like running a political campaign than a law firm, and how his team has gone head-to-head with a roster of elite firms including Slaughter and May, White & Case and Herbert Smith Freehills.

Tom also discusses how he thinks about litigation funding conflicts, what it takes to maintain trust with funders, and how Pogust Goodhead is using an innovative synthetic equity scheme to incentivise its lawyers to bet on the firm’s success.

He shares his broader vision for the future: building a global claimant-side powerhouse capable of challenging corporate giants the way Kirkland & Ellis or Quinn Emanuel have dominated commercial defence work.

Chapters

00:50 Introduction to the BHP Case

02:08 The Journey to the Case

06:01 Client Management in Class Actions

10:16 The Scale of the Environmental Disaster

14:00 Commercial Stakes and Legal Strategies

18:01 Litigation Funding and Financial Strategies

23:59 Challenges and Restructuring Decisions

30:03 Transformative Legal Battles: The BHP Case

34:25 Navigating Conflicts with Litigation Funders

41:16 Impact of PACCAR on the Funding Industry

47:05 Attracting and Retaining Legal Talent

56:08 Vision for the Future of Pogust Goodhead

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals, brought to you by a small team of former City lawyers and finance professionals.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk/

In this episode, we speak with Nnamdi Emelifeonwu, a former Freshfields associate and now co-founder of Definely - one of the UK’s most exciting legal tech companies.

Nnamdi traces his journey building a legal career at a Magic Circle firm and ultimately leaving it all behind to solve a problem he first encountered while working alongside his visually impaired colleague Feargus MacDaeid who would become his co-founder.

Nnamdi shares the story of how he and Feargus turned an initial prototype into a Microsoft Word plug-in - and eventually a fast-growing platform now used by over 100 corporate customers like BT and JPMorgan, and law firm giants including A&O Shearman, Cravath and Milbank.

He discusses the steep learning curve of becoming a founder without a technical background, the early product iterations and how the startup found its first champions at firms like A&O and clients like Deloitte.

He also opens up about the realities of startup life: fundraising, cash flow pressure, making hiring mistakes, and learning to let go of perfectionism - particularly as a lawyer-turned-founder.

With Definely now backed by $7 million in Series A funding from Octopus Ventures and expanding into the US, Nnamdi reflects on the changing role of lawyers in the age of AI and why the future of the profession depends on embracing legal tech.

He also offers candid advice for lawyers considering a move into entrepreneurship, including the importance of resilience, self-belief and maintaining a growth mindset.

Chapters

00:45 Journey into Law: Early Influences and Aspirations

03:29 Training at Freshfields: The Big Law Experience

06:23 The Birth of Definely: Identifying a Problem

09:29 Building the First Prototype: A Solution for Accessibility

12:38 From Idea to Startup: The Entrepreneurial Leap

15:26 Securing Initial Funding: The First Angel Investment

18:38 Developing the Product: Iteration and Feedback

21:35 Gaining Traction: Signing First Customers

23:34 Navigating Early Challenges: Building Relationships with Clients

26:25 Leveraging Legal Expertise: Understanding User Needs

29:57 The Importance of Fundraising in Entrepreneurship

34:36 Shifting Mindsets: From Lawyer to Entrepreneur

36:55 Evolution of the Product: From Definitions to Comprehensive Solutions

39:20 Business Model and Customer Base: Focusing on B2B

42:21 Growth Metrics and Future Vision

44:18 Navigating Competition in Legal Tech

49:02 The Role of AI in the Future of Law

52:49 Challenges and Advice for Transitioning to Legal Tech

55:40 Learning from Mistakes: Hiring and Industry Insights

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is an email newsletter and media company for modern legal professionals, brought to you by a small team of former City lawyers and finance professionals.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk/

This is a conversation with Jonathan Watmough.

Jonathan became managing partner of City firm RPC at just 38. Over the next decade, he repositioned it through the global financial crisis, a shifting legal market and the rise of aggressive lateral hiring.

He stepped down in 2016, and has since worn several hats: performance coach, consultant and most recently, non-executive chair of the newly independent litigation specialist Rosenblatt.

He recently published ‘How to Thrive in a Commercial Law Firm’, a book gaining traction among mid-career lawyers and law firm leaders and which is all about helping lawyers make the most of their careers.

In this conversation, Jonathan shares his journey from an accidental lawyer to a managing partner at RPC, discussing the challenges and opportunities within the legal profession. He emphasises the importance of differentiation, leadership, and understanding client needs.

He also highlights the significance of emotional intelligence and relationship-building in achieving success in law. He provides insights from his book, and offers practical advice for junior lawyers on navigating their careers and finding their fit within the world of commercial law.

Chapters

00:40 Introduction to Jonathan

03:42 The Accidental Lawyer

06:31 Navigating the Legal Landscape

09:29 Opportunities in Crisis

12:35 Leadership Lessons from RPC

15:37 Role at Rosenblatt and Lessons for Listed Firms

18:47 The Future of Law Firms

21:38 Insights from 'How to Thrive in a Commercial Law Firm'

32:53 The Importance of Commercial Awareness in Law

40:12 Transitioning from Lawyer to Business Person

47:22 Work-Life Balance in Legal Careers

55:17 Future Client Needs and Career Advice

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is an email newsletter and media company for modern legal professionals, brought to you by a small team of former City lawyers and finance professionals.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk/

Today, we speak with Jack Shepherd.

Jack started out as a restructuring lawyer at Freshfields before moving into legal tech via the firm’s in-house innovation team. He now works at iManage - the US-based legal tech company behind the document management system used by most major law firms.

Jack is a well-known voice in the legal tech space and a regular speaker at industry conferences. He often takes a refreshingly contrarian view on AI - not for the sake of it, but because, having been a practising lawyer, he actually understands how lawyers work day-to-day.

In this conversation, Jack shares insights on the evolving landscape of legal AI and technology. He discusses his transition from practising law to working in legal tech, emphasising the importance of understanding the pain points of lawyers and how technology can address these issues. 

Jack critiques the current hype around AI, advocating for a more practical approach that focuses on enhancing the legal profession rather than replacing it. He also highlights the significance of project management skills in law, the ROI of legal AI tools and offers advice for lawyers looking to transition into legal tech. The discussion ends with thoughts on future-proofing legal careers and the traits of successful junior lawyers.

Chapters

00:50 From Lawyer to Legal Tech 

03:33 Understanding Legal AI: Current Landscape

06:20 The Role of AI in Legal Work

09:25 AI's Impact on Junior Lawyers

12:19 Identifying Pain Points in Legal Practice

15:25 The Future of Law Firms and SaaS

18:40 iManage: Revolutionising Document Management

27:46 Cultural Challenges in Legal Tech Adoption

28:27 Understanding ROI in Legal AI Tools

31:18 Strategic Technology Procurement in Law Firms

34:41 The Role of AI in Law Firm Marketing

36:38 Innovative Legal AI Tools to Watch

40:19 Future-Proofing Legal Careers

40:43 Advice for Lawyers Transitioning to Legal Tech

44:08 Traits of Successful Lawyers

49:25 Recommended Reads for Legal Professionals

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is an email newsletter and media company for modern legal professionals, brought to you by a small team of former City lawyers and finance professionals.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk/

This is our conversation with Richard Martin, a former partner at law firms including Jones Day and Speechly Bircham, who, after experiencing severe burnout and a mental health crisis while he was at the peak of his powers, has dedicated his career to improving mental well-being in the legal industry.

Now leading the Mindful Business Charter (MBC), Richard advocates for healthier working practices in law firms and corporate environments.

Richard shares his story, we discuss the state of mental health in the legal industry, which firms are doing good work to address the issue, some advice for lawyers feeling like they’re nearing burnout and how the Mindful Business Charter is tackling the issue

Chapters

00:40 Introduction to Richard and His Journey

03:43 The Impact of Stress and Mental Health in Law

06:10 Personal Experience with Mental Health Challenges

09:10 Transitioning to Mental Health Advocacy

12:10 Understanding the Legal Profession's Mental Health Landscape

15:15 The Role of Personality Traits in Lawyer Burnout

18:05 Current State of Mental Health Awareness in Law Firms

21:20 The Mindful Business Charter Explained

24:10 Challenges in Implementing Mental Health Initiatives

27:10 The Future of Mental Health in the Legal Profession

29:20 Understanding Client Expectations and Lawyer Responsiveness

34:10 The Role of Well-Being in Legal Practice

38:42 Balancing High Performance and Employee Well-Being

39:50 Navigating Burnout and Career Satisfaction

45:12 Advice for Junior Lawyers and Career Ownership

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is an email newsletter and media company for modern legal professionals, brought to you by a small team of former City lawyers and finance professionals.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk/

In this episode, we talk with Tara Waters.

Tara is a leading voice in legal tech and a lawyer with more than 15 years’ experience at City firms including A&O, Simmons and Ashurst where she was a partner and chief digital officer - during which time she successfully rolled out AI tool Harvey to all of the firm’s 4,000+ lawyers and business services staff around the world.

Tara shares her unique journey from technology to law, highlighting her experiences in legal tech and innovation. She discusses the evolution of legal services, the impact of generative AI, how law firms should assess its ROI and her favourite AI tools on the market.

Tara emphasises the importance of adapting to new technologies, the need for investment in learning and development,and the traits that distinguish great lawyers. She also provides insights into the future of the billable hour model.

Chapters

00:30 Introduction to Tara and Her Journey

03:034 Transition from Technology to Law

06:20 Building a Diverse Legal Practice

09:33 Innovation in Legal Services at Ashurst

12:33 Client-Driven Changes in Legal Tech

14:55 The Evolution of Legal Tech and AI

18:11 Generative AI's Impact on Legal Work

21:05 The Role of AI Assistants in Legal Practice

23:50 Harvey: A Case Study in Legal AI Implementation

27:08 Internal Adoption of AI Tools at Ashurst

30:40 Elevating Voices: The Importance of User Stories

30:58 Gaining Partner Buy-In for Technology Investments

33:20 Measuring ROI: Beyond Cost Savings

36:02 The Evolving Role of Lawyers in the Age of AI

39:36 Rethinking the Billable Hour Model

43:24 Legal AI Tools: Preferences and Industry Trends

48:02 Leading Firms in Legal Tech Innovation

49:31 Career Advice: Confidence and Continuous Learning

54:48 Investing in Learning and Development

56:40 The Value of Knowing When to Pivot

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is an email newsletter and media company for modern legal professionals, brought to you by a small team of former City lawyers and finance professionals.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk/

In today’s episode, we sit down with Scott Gibson, one of the City’s top headhunters and co-founder of elite partner-level recruitment firm Edwards Gibson. 

With 25 years in the game, Gibson has seen it all - and according to him, the market is crazier than ever.

We discuss what’s driving the hottest law firm partner transfer market in years, why elite firms are paying eye-watering sums, which practice areas are in hottest demand and how the rules of partnership are changing. 

Scott also reveals what law firms are looking for in lateral hires and gives his advice for associates and junior partners looking to make their mark.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Scott and His Career Path

02:03 Current State of the City Talent Market

06:11 The Impact of US Law Firms on the Market

09:59 High-Profile Partner Moves and Their Implications

14:07 The Economics Behind Law Firm Investments

17:58 What Law Firms Look for in Lateral Hires

21:54 Impact on firms outside the Magic Circle

26:13 Ageism and Retirement in Law Firms

30:53 The Pension Dilemma in Law Firms

32:42 Capital Contributions and Partner Exits

36:31 Navigating Guaranteed Compensation

38:30 The Role of Headhunters in Law Firm Recruitment

46:07 The Partner Hiring Process

55:20 Career Advice for Aspiring Partners

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is an email newsletter and media company for modern legal professionals, brought to you by a small team of former City lawyers and finance professionals.

Visit our website: ⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk/

In this episode, we sit down with Alexander Kardos-Nyheim, a lawyer who remarkably built a legal AI company as a side project during his training contract at A&O. In 2024 - just as he was qualifying - he sold the business to Thomson Reuters for a life-changing sum of money. 

Alexander shares his inspiring journey from a young advocate fighting against a developer threatening his community to becoming a lawyer and co-founding his legal tech startup, SafeSign Technologies. He discusses the challenges of balancing a training contract at A&O with the startup, the dynamics of the legal market, and the eventual acquisition by Thomson Reuters. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alex's Journey

02:49 The Catalyst for Becoming a Lawyer

05:36 Navigating Law School and Early Advocacy

08:07 The Appeal of Big Law Firms

10:31 The Impact of Rising Salaries in Law

13:14 The Shift in the Legal Market Dynamics

15:45 Starting a Tech Business During a Training Contract

18:22 Building a Legal Tech Startup

20:56 Balancing Work and Startup Life

22:58 The Challenges of a Dual Career

29:30 Navigating Dual Careers: Law and Entrepreneurship

31:50 Pivoting to Legal AI: The Birth of a Startup

35:18 Building a Legal-Specific AI Model

39:21 Funding and Team Dynamics in a Startup

42:49 Acquisition Talks: The Thomson Reuters Interest

49:52 Life After Acquisition: New Beginnings at Thomson Reuters

54:36 Advice for Aspiring Lawyer-Entrepreneurs

About Non-Billable

Non-Billable is an email newsletter and media company for modern legal professionals, brought to you by a small team of former City lawyers and finance professionals.

Visit our website: https://www.nonbillable.co.uk/