In this episode of Beyond Billables, Stephen Rodney sits down with Peter Jackson, former Managing Partner and CEO of Hill Dickinson, to unpack nearly three decades of leadership inside one of the UK's leading commercial law firms.

Peter shares the lessons that transformed him from lawyer to CEO, why great leaders never micromanage, how to build high-performing teams, the importance of culture when hiring lateral partners, succession planning, AI's impact on the legal profession, and the remarkable story behind Hill Dickinson becoming the naming rights partner of Everton's new stadium.

Whether you're a managing partner, lawyer, business leader, or anyone interested in leadership, management, culture, and professional services, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:54 | Trailer on Leadership, AI, and Law Firm Growth

00:54 - 01:59 | Podcast Introduction and Peter Jackson’s Career Overview

01:59 - 09:10 | Early Legal Career and Rise to Managing Partner

09:10 - 14:31 | CEO Transition and Strategic Leadership Structure

14:31 - 18:54 | Selling the Insurance Business and Managing Change

18:54 - 23:36 | Succession Planning, Retirement, and CM Murray Role

23:36 - 31:26 | Partner Skills, Sector Knowledge, and AI’s Legal Impact

31:26 - 43:53 | Leadership Lessons, People Decisions, and Management Training

43:53 - 52:24 | Lateral Hiring, Culture Fit, and Due Diligence

52:24 - 01:05:34 | Everton Stadium Sponsorship and Business ROI

01:05:34 - 01:12:16 | Career Highlights, Hillsborough, and Leadership Challenges

01:12:16 - 01:22:43 | Private Equity, Law Firm Ownership, and Future Models

01:22:43 - 01:23:16 | Closing Thanks and Final Wrap-Up

Connect with Peter Jackson:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-jackson-a1b3bb5/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cm-murray-llp/
• Company’s Website: https://cm-murray.com/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
• Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:

• Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more conversations with leading law firm partners, business leaders, and industry experts sharing the lessons behind exceptional careers and leadership.