Episodes

  • Why Great Leaders Never Micromanage Their Teams with Peter Jackson

    Why Great Leaders Never Micromanage Their Teams with Peter Jackson
    Aug 4 2026

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

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

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

    Timestamps:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Connect with Peter Jackson:

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

    Connect with Stephen Rodney:

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

    Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:

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

    Listening Links:

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

    If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more conversations with leading law firm partners, business leaders, and industry experts sharing the lessons behind exceptional careers and leadership.
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • AI Replacing Lawyers for Legal Pros to Stay Relevant Using Client Relationships with Charles Currier

    AI Replacing Lawyers for Legal Pros to Stay Relevant Using Client Relationships with Charles Currier
    Jul 28 2026
    In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Charles Currier, Senior Partner and Chairman of the Board for CMS UK and its international offices. Charles shares his journey from being the first in his family to attend university to leading one of the world's largest law firm networks. The conversation explores leadership, career progression, lateral hiring, client relationships, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal profession. Charles also reflects on the lessons he has learned during three decades at CMS and explains why people skills remain the foundation of long-term success.Charles joined the firm as a trainee in the mid 1990s and became a corporate partner in 2005. Throughout his career, he has advised on major infrastructure and energy transactions, led the firm's Corporate Group, and now focuses on strategy, leadership, client relationships, and shaping the future direction of CMS.Expect to Learn:Why strong client relationships matter more than ever in the age of AI.How Charles progressed from trainee solicitor to Senior Partner at CMS.What separates successful law firm leaders from successful partners. How firms can improve the success of lateral partner hires through better planning and integration.Why respect, curiosity, and simply being nice to people are key ingredients for a successful legal career.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00] – Teaser[00:52] – Welcome & Introduction to Beyond Billables with Charles Currier[06:20] – The Contested Election: Five Candidates and Four Rounds of Voting[11:52] – Staying Out of the Managing Partner Election[15:37] – AI and the Future: The Threat and Opportunity[19:52] – The Partner-Led Technological Shift: Why AI Needs Senior Adoption[26:06] – Lateral Hiring: Due Diligence, Integration, and the 100-Day Plan[31:19] – Why Some Laterals Don't Work Out: The Role of Luck and Expectations[34:22] – The CMS Structure: An English Company Limited by Guarantee[39:38] – Client Perspectives on AI: The Spectrum from Reluctance to Demand[43:22] – Private Equity in Law: A Cautious View from the Senior Partner[47:47] – Best Moments: The National Grid Deal and the Bulb Acquisition[50:52] – Worst Moments: Two All-Nighters and Hallucinating Colours[54:32] – Three Non-Negotiables: Respect, Enthusiasm, and Perspective[57:07] – One Golden Rule: Just Be Nice to People[57:36] – Closing Remarks Connect with Charles Currier:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-currier/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cms-cameron-mckenna/Company’s Website: https://cms.law/en/gbr/Connect with Stephen Rodney:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l
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    58 mins
  • AI in Law for Legal Pros to Stay Relevant and Escape the Billable Hour Trap with Emily Monastiriotis

    AI in Law for Legal Pros to Stay Relevant and Escape the Billable Hour Trap with Emily Monastiriotis
    Jul 21 2026
    In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Emily Monastiriotis, Global Managing Partner at Simmons & Simmons. Emily shares her journey from growing up in Corfu to leading one of the world's leading international law firms. The conversation explores leadership, client relationships, talent development, AI adoption, and what it takes to build a successful legal career in a rapidly changing profession.Emily Monastiriotis is the Global Managing Partner of Simmons & Simmons. A construction litigator by background, she joined the firm almost ten years ago and progressed through a series of leadership roles before being elected Managing Partner. Emily is passionate about people, innovation, mentoring, and helping law firms adapt to the opportunities and challenges created by artificial intelligence.Expect to Learn:How Emily's international upbringing and career journey led her to become Global Managing Partner of Simmons & Simmons.Why building strong client relationships and understanding client needs remain critical to long-term success.The leadership qualities that help law firm partners develop high-performing teams and strong firm cultures.How AI is changing legal work, pricing models, training, and the future skills lawyers need.Best practices for recruiting, integrating, and supporting lateral hires in law firms.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00] – Teaser[01:01] – Welcome & Introduction to Beyond Billables with Emily Monastiriotis[05:23] – The Contested Election: Becoming Managing Partner of Simmons[09:11] – What Makes a Successful Partner? Relationships, Curiosity, and Engagement[14:31] – The Power of Face-to-Face: Investing Time in Clients[19:25] – AI and the Billable Hour: The Shift to Value-Based Pricing[24:51] – The Education Gap: Teaching AI Responsibility in Schools[27:47] – Responsible AI Use: Traffic Lights, Supervision, and Critical Thinking[33:40] – Lateral Hiring: Planning, Integration, and Cultural Fit[38:31] – Sponsoring Partners and Holistic Remuneration[43:24] – Best Moments: The Thrill of Victory and Team Success[48:38] – Mentoring and Reverse Mentoring: Paying It Forward[52:08] – Private Equity in Law: A Cautious View[55:45] – One Golden Rule: Treat People with Respect and Curiosity[56:07] – Closing RemarksConnect with Emily Monastiriotis:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-monastiriotis/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simmons-&-simmons/Company’s Website: https://www.simmons-simmons.com/Connect with Stephen Rodney:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/Listening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l
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    56 mins
  • The Midlife Career Crisis for Ambitious Pros to Build a Second Career That Matters with Ana Baillie

    The Midlife Career Crisis for Ambitious Pros to Build a Second Career That Matters with Ana Baillie
    Jul 7 2026
    In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Ana Baillie, a former employment lawyer who built a successful career across Allen & Overy, RBS, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Accenture, and HSBC before making a remarkable career change. After more than twenty years in law, Ana retrained as a midwife and now works for the NHS in London. Join us as we discuss career transitions, life-long learning, leadership, corporate culture, and the surprising similarities between practising law and delivering babies.Ana Baillie began her legal career after converting her Chinese degree into law and qualifying as an employment lawyer at Allen & Overy. She spent over two decades advising major global organisations on employment law, workplace culture, and misconduct issues before leaving the corporate world in 2021 to retrain as a midwife. Today, she combines her legal experience, risk assessment skills, and passion for helping others in a completely different profession focused on supporting women and families.Expect to Learn:How Ana moved from a successful legal career into midwifery after more than twenty years in law.Why understanding a business and communicating clearly are the foundations of successful in-house legal practice.What it takes to navigate major career changes in midlife and manage the risks involved.The surprising skills that transfer from employment law to healthcare and midwifery.How workplace culture can be improved through leadership, accountability, and consistent action.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00] – Teaser[01:05] – Welcome & Introduction of Ana Baillie [05:08] – Move in-house after six years: “nearer to the problems”[09:41] – Adapting to in‑house demands; first six months is for listening[14:53] – The 100 Year Life book – inspiration for second career[19:45] – Age as an advantage – people assume experience[25:12] – The “swan” mentality – calm on surface, assessing risk behind the scenes[31:39] – Mentors: client in Hong Kong (corporate insights)[33:46] – Golden rule (both careers): thorough preparation and beautiful communication[35:31] – Closing thanks and episode wrap‑upConnect with Ana Baillie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-baillie-44b1a123/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allen-overy/Company’s Website: https://www.aoshearman.com/enConnect 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=6ff13118ea1a44b4Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l
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    36 mins
  • Lawyers Never Become Successful Partners in the Age of AI without Human Judgement with Sunny Mann

    Lawyers Never Become Successful Partners in the Age of AI without Human Judgement with Sunny Mann
    Jun 30 2026
    In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Sunny Mann, Global Chair of Baker McKenzie and one of the world's leading international trade lawyers. With more than 26 years at the firm, Sunny shares his journey from accidental lawyer to global leader, discussing the skills that drive success in law, the importance of human relationships, and how firms can prepare for a rapidly changing legal landscape. Join us as we explore leadership, client relationships, lateral hiring, AI, resilience, and the future of global law firms.Sunny Mann is the Global Chair of Baker McKenzie, one of the world's largest law firms with more than 13,000 employees across 70 offices. A specialist in international trade law, Sunny built one of Europe's leading trade practices and has advised major global companies on geopolitical challenges, sanctions, and international trade issues. He is also a passionate advocate for mentoring, inclusion, leadership development, and building strong global teams.Expect to Learn:How Sunny Mann built a successful career in international trade law and rose to become Global Chair of Baker McKenzie.Why human relationships remain at the heart of successful client service, even in the age of AI.The key qualities that make a successful law firm partner and effective leader.How Baker McKenzie approaches lateral hiring, integration, and global collaboration.Why curiosity, resilience, and finding enjoyment in your work are essential for long-term success.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00] – Teaser[01:03] – Welcome & Introduction of Sunny Mann [05:03] – The importance of curiosity and staying ahead of geopolitics [10:33] – AI will drive efficiency, but human judgment and humanity remain critical[17:33] – The billable hour will materially shift to alternative pricing models[23:33] – Election process with 600+ voting partners; role is to stay connected to clients and people[29:33] – Baker McKenzie’s global culture (“cultural friendship”) attracts outward‑looking lawyers[35:29] – Best moment: mobilising global trade practice for Russia‑Ukraine crisis [38:32] – Proud of supporting Kiev office; first town hall as chair was with Kiev team[43:03] – “Find the fun in your role” – advice to junior lawyers and to himself as chair[49:34] – Three non‑negotiable behaviours: communication, care, fun[53:31] – Golden rule: keep the human at the heart of everything we do[54:44] – Host’s golden rule: treat clients as people, not as clients[55:45] – Closing thanks and episode wrap‑upConnect with Sunny Mann:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-mann-918ba5116/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/baker-&-mckenzie/Company’s Website: https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/Connect with Stephen Rodney:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/Listening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l
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    56 mins
  • What Makes a Successful Law Firm Partner for Lawyers to Become Trusted Advisers with Jane Caskey

    What Makes a Successful Law Firm Partner for Lawyers to Become Trusted Advisers with Jane Caskey
    Jun 16 2026
    In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Jane Caskey, Global Head of Risk Advisory at Linklaters. Jane shares her journey from intellectual property litigation in Canada to leading a global risk advisory practice at one of the world's leading law firms. The conversation explores how client expectations are changing, why lawyers need to think beyond legal advice alone, and what it takes to become a trusted adviser in today's increasingly complex business environment.Jane Caskey leads the risk advisory practice at Linklaters. Originally from Canada, she began her career as an intellectual property lawyer before taking on global leadership roles, including Global Head of Intellectual Property and Chief Client Officer at her previous firm. Jane has helped shape innovative approaches to client service by combining legal, compliance, risk, and operational expertise to deliver integrated solutions for global clients.Expect to Learn:How Jane transitioned from IP litigation to leading a global risk advisory practice.Why clients increasingly expect lawyers to provide business-focused advice, not just legal opinions.The importance of collaboration, client relationships, and cross-selling in building a successful legal practice.Key lessons for lateral partners on integration, culture, and long-term success.How AI is changing the legal profession and why mentoring remains critical for future lawyers.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Teaser[00:01:16] – Welcome to Beyond Billables & Introduction of Jane Caskey [00:05:46] – Clients want proactive horizon scanning and strategic advice[00:09:03] – How Linklaters approached her – aligned vision[00:14:46] – Linklaters advanced on AI – Applied Intelligence team[00:19:16] – Transparency and trust among partners[00:26:14] – Building relationships through in‑person meetings[00:30:22] – Echoes colleague’s view – holistic client perspective[00:36:46] – Formal integration plan at Linklaters – first two weeks intense[00:42:46] – Less good moments: territorial partners, insecurity[00:49:16] – Importance of client relationships over metrics[00:55:16] – Future of partnership: AI changes leverage, raises mentoring concerns[01:00:09] – Golden rule: no ego – put clients and firm first[01:00:34] – Closing thanks and episode wrap‑upConnect with Jane Caskey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-caskey-30568840/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/linklaters/Company’s Website: https://www.linklaters.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=6ff13118ea1a44b4Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • How Lawyers Struggle to Make Partner Without Skills, Leadership & Relentless Drive – Julian Taylor

    How Lawyers Struggle to Make Partner Without Skills, Leadership & Relentless Drive – Julian Taylor
    Jun 9 2026
    In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Julian Taylor, Senior Partner at Simmons & Simmons. Julian shares his unusual path into law, from studying history and working as a barrister to becoming a senior leader at one of the world’s leading international law firms. The conversation explores leadership, law firm culture, flexible working, partner success, and how firms can create environments where people prosper. Julian also reflects on mentoring, client relationships, and the future of the legal profession in a rapidly changing world. Julian Taylor is the Senior Partner at Simmons & Simmons, an international law firm with offices across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the US. Originally called to the Bar, Julian later moved into private practice and built his career as an employment lawyer. Alongside his client work, he has held several leadership roles within the firm, including International Practice Head for Employment, before becoming Senior Partner. Julian is known for his people-focused leadership style, his advocacy for flexible working, and his strong focus on collaboration and culture within professional services firms.Expect to Learn:How Julian unexpectedly moved from the Bar into private practice and built a successful legal career.Why culture, collaboration, and leadership matter so much in law firms.The importance of flexible working and how it helped Julian balance family life with career progression.What separates highly successful law firm partners from others in the profession.How AI and changing client expectations could reshape the future of the billable hour model.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00] – Teaser[01:10] – Welcome to Beyond Billables & Introduction of Julian Taylor[04:22] – Why employment law: people, the crazy things people do[09:40] – Became international practice head for employment in 2016[15:01] – What makes a successful partner: understanding clients, solution-focused, drive[21:14] – Intervening when partners show bad behaviour[26:55] – Lateral success: fit with values, skills, sometimes recruitment mistakes[30:40] – Gender balance: from 10% to 33% female partners, female managing partner[37:40] – Best moment: phone hacking case[42:40] – Advice to younger self: worry better, don’t catastrophize[48:40] – Future factors: AI will kill the billable hour, move to output‑based billing[53:49] – Golden rule: focus[54:18] – Closing thanks and episode wrap‑upConnect with Julian Taylor:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian--taylor/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simmons-&-simmons/Company’s Website: https://www.simmons-simmons.com/Connect with Stephen Rodney:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l
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    55 mins