The Non-Billable Podcast

Non-Billable

The Non-Billable Podcast takes UK legal professionals beyond the billable hour, bringing you interviews with top lawyers, law firm leaders, industry experts and legal tech innovators to uncover actionable insights on the business of law, career growth and the future of the industry.

Hosted by Oliver Attinger, a former finance lawyer at a leading City law firm, and brought to you by Non-Billable, the legal media platform for City lawyers, in-house counsel, and legal professionals.

Play

Open in

29 episodes
weekly
Avg 37 min
English

Episodes 29

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Yesterday · 38 min
Goodwin chair Anthony McCusker on AI, superstar partners and Big Law’s next era
US firm Goodwin is pursuing a focused growth strategy built around six industries: private equity, investment funds, technology, life sciences, healthcare and real estate. Chair Anthony McCusker joins the podcast to explain why the firm wants its lawyers to understand clients’ businesses as deeply as their legal problems, and how that approach sits at the centre of its Goodwin 2033 strategy. McCusker also takes us inside the firm’s AI push. Goodwin is investing $25 million a year in technology, developing its Regina operating system and redesigning common workflows through an initiative known as GAIN. The conversation also covers how Goodwin funds that investment, why external capital is not under consideration and the role of London in the firm’s future. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Thomson Reuters. Request a demo of CoCounsel Legal, visit: https://legalsolutions.thomsonreuters.co.uk/en/products-services/cocounsel-legal-uk.html Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:50 From Silicon Valley lawyer to Goodwin chair 05:44 Leading Goodwin and the role of firm chair 10:13 Why Goodwin is betting on industries over practices 15:41 Building an AI-native law firm 21:53 How AI could change legal delivery and pricing 26:39 Superstar partners in the AI era 30:07 Goodwin’s $25m-a-year AI investment 32:31 Why London is vital to Goodwin’s strategy 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
Thursday · 44 min
Why Weil collapsed and what it means for Big Law with Yale Law School professor John Morley
Weil was still generating more than $2 billion a year when its partnership unravelled. Yale Law School professor John Morley says that its collapse was driven not by financial distress, but by a decline in profitability relative to its closest rivals and a failure to choose between scale and a smaller, more elite model. Morley’s paper Why Law Firms Collapse examined around three dozen failures and identified a recurring “run on the partnership”. Because partners own the business and can leave with their clients, the departure of one productive partner reduces the profits available to everyone who remains - making the next departure more attractive. The conversation explores why superstar partners can make firms more fragile, how widening pay gaps have weakened traditional partnership cultures and why a merger may be the best escape route for a formerly elite firm losing ground. Morley also considers the lessons for London firms, the challenge facing private equity investors and what law firm leaders should watch for before a partner run becomes The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Thomson Reuters. Request a demo of CoCounsel Legal, visit: https://legalsolutions.thomsonreuters.co.uk/en/products-services/cocounsel-legal-uk.html Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:50 Why Morley began studying law firm collapses 04:07 Why law firms shatter rather than bounce 10:29 Why US law firms are especially fragile 12:51 The warning signs at Weil 18:00 Why merger talks can stop a partner run 23:15 Superstar partners and the decline of community 29:32 What ultimately killed Weil 35:08 AI, private equity and lessons for law firm leaders 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
October 27 · 47 min
Inside offshore law with Harneys global boss William Peake
Offshore law firms play a central role in major cross-border deals and disputes, yet the market remains unfamiliar to many lawyers. Harneys global managing partner William Peake explains how the model works, why onshore law firms are its most important clients and how offshore jurisdictions compete for international business. Peake reflects on the $9.2bn dispute that helped make his career and what lawyers can expect from a move offshore. The conversation covers recruitment, partner pay, advocacy opportunities and the reality behind the promise of high-quality work and weekends in the Caribbean. We also examine private equity’s growing interest in offshore legal services, how Harneys is funding its expansion and the competitive risk posed by better-capitalised rivals. Peake also explains how his unusually candid LinkedIn presence has generated millions of views, opened doors with major firms and brought new work into Harneys. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Thomson Reuters. Request a demo of CoCounsel Legal, visit: https://legalsolutions.thomsonreuters.co.uk/en/products-services/cocounsel-legal-uk.html Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:40 How the offshore law firm model works 03:26 The $9.2bn litigation that made Peake’s career 07:56 Winning referrals from onshore law firms 10:29 Recruiting lawyers and building a career offshore 15:52 Partner pay, talent and accessible leadership 20:24 Private equity and the Harneys Fiduciary sale 33:06 Building Harneys’ profile through LinkedIn 43:10 Ireland and the firm’s next phase of growth 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
October 15 · 41 min
Why the UK’s biggest law firms are pulling away from the rest of the market
PwC’s latest law firm survey points to a growing divide in the UK legal market. The largest firms are pulling ahead, specialist players are finding profitable niches and parts of the mid-market are coming under increasing pressure. Mark Anderson, who leads PwC’s professional business services sector, joins the podcast to explain why more law firm mergers are inevitable and how firms caught in the “squeezed middle” can respond. We also discuss why widespread AI adoption has yet to translate into financial returns, how the technology could reshape pricing, whether external capital has a role in Big Law and why cyber risk is back at the top of the agenda. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Thomson Reuters. Request a demo of CoCounsel Legal, visit: https://legalsolutions.thomsonreuters.co.uk/en/products-services/cocounsel-legal-uk.html Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:40 What PwC’s survey says about the UK legal market 04:13 Why the top ten are pulling away 06:18 The problem facing the squeezed middle 11:19 Why more law firm mergers are inevitable 13:51 AI adoption versus AI monetisation 16:26 How AI could change law firm pricing 24:44 Partner funding, private equity and Big Law 32:21 Why cyber risk is back at the top of the agenda 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
October 7 · 38 min
Inside King & Spalding’s London growth push with managing partner Tom Sprange
King & Spalding is in growth mode in London. The office increased revenue by 48% last year, has expanded its footprint at 8 Bishopsgate and recently hired a major international arbitration and litigation team from WilmerHale. London managing partner Tom Sprange explains why the office has become central to the US firm’s international strategy. It is now King & Spalding’s fourth-largest office, its biggest outside the US and a hub connecting the firm’s practices across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The ambition is not to become a conventional full-service firm. Sprange describes a more selective model built around elite disputes, finance, private capital, investigations and regulatory work. He also explains why collaboration matters more than individual books of business, and why King & Spalding looks for practice builders rather than lawyers who simply claim to bring clients with them. The conversation also explores the changing economics of international arbitration, the rise of the highly paid superstar partner and how firms can stop their best lawyers being poached. Sprange closes by setting out where King & Spalding could expand next and why the firm’s trainee pipeline remains important to its London plans. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Thomson Reuters. Request a demo of CoCounsel Legal, visit: https://legalsolutions.thomsonreuters.co.uk/en/products-services/cocounsel-legal-uk.html Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:40 Why London matters to King & Spalding 03:33 Revenue growth and the London practice mix 09:48 Not going full-service 13:12 Fund finance and making major team hires work 19:53 The WilmerHale raid and the changing arbitration market 23:36 How international disputes lawyers win clients 27:44 Superstar partners, pay and retention 32:51 The modern partner, AI and what comes next 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
September 29 · 34 min
Jeanette Burgess on taking Walker Morris beyond £100m and saying no to private equity
Walker Morris has nearly doubled in size over the past seven years while holding on to a model that looks increasingly distinctive: one office in Leeds and no international network of its own. Revenue reached a record £90.2m last year, leaving the firm within reach of its £100m Ambition 27 target. Managing partner Jeanette Burgess explains why she believes the single-site model still works. The bigger question is what happens beyond £100m. Burgess says Walker Morris can continue scaling from Leeds for now, although the firm is reviewing its options as it develops its post-2027 strategy. She also discusses why the firm is attracting lawyers looking for greater autonomy than they may find at larger City and national firms. In relation to AI, Burgess expects firms may need “fewer, better people” in some areas and anticipates a gradual move away from hourly rates for routine work. But she rejects private equity as an answer to the investment challenge, arguing that surrendering control would cut against Walker Morris’ partnership model. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Thomson Reuters. Request a demo of CoCounsel Legal, visit: https://legalsolutions.thomsonreuters.co.uk/en/products-services/cocounsel-legal-uk.html Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:35 Record growth and Jeanette’s path to leadership 05:13 Evolution, innovation and leading the firm 07:33 Walker Morris’ position in the market 09:13 The advantages of a single office in Leeds 16:01 How far can the model scale? 18:51 AI, talent and the future law firm pyramid 28:13 Why private equity is not right for Walker Morris 33:02 What comes after Ambition 27? 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
September 9 · 36 min
Charles Russell Speechlys boss Simon Ridpath on building a law firm around private capital
Charles Russell Speechlys has expanded rapidly under managing partner Simon Ridpath, opening in Milan and Singapore before making a defining move into the US this year. The strategy is built around the firm’s ambition to become the world’s leading adviser to private capital – following wealthy individuals, families and entrepreneurs as their lives and investments become increasingly mobile globally. In this episode, Simon explains why the US had become an unavoidable gap in the firm’s network, what he learnt during two-and-a-half years studying the market and why CRS resisted the temptation to accelerate its launch simply by “opening a chequebook”. We also go inside the 2014 merger that created Charles Russell Speechlys. Simon reflects on the unusual challenge of combining two genuinely equal firms, why he prefers to talk about behaviours rather than culture and why mergers pursued principally for scale should make law firm leaders nervous. Finally, we explore one of the biggest questions facing the profession: how partnerships will fund international expansion, AI and the increasingly complicated business of running a law firm. Simon explains why private equity ownership remains difficult for Big Law, where external investment could work on a project basis and how technology may force firms to overhaul traditional pay and reward structures. Chapters 00:01 Introduction 00:55 Leading through constant disruption 03:08 From legal aid work to City law 04:59 Inside the Charles Russell Speechlys merger 09:18 Why Simon became managing partner 11:18 Building the firm around private capital 17:09 Why CRS finally entered the US 23:15 Following private capital into Milan and Singapore 26:23 Funding growth, private equity and the impact of AI 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
September 2 · 34 min
Christian Bartsch on Bird & Bird’s path to €1bn
Christian Bartsch is the CEO of Bird & Bird, the international law firm built around technology, IP and regulation. He joined the firm in 2007, became CEO in 2022 and was recently re-elected for a second term. In this episode, Bartsch explains how he followed a leader who had run the firm for 26 years and why he involved the wider partnership in shaping Bird & Bird’s first five-year strategy. He discusses the firm’s target of reaching €1bn in revenue by 2029, its recent expansion into Tokyo, Riyadh and Lisbon, and why India remains a market he watches closely. He also addresses law firm consolidation, external capital and the circumstances in which Bird & Bird might consider a merger. The conversation then turns to AI, why Bartsch believes generic firms are vulnerable, how the traditional law firm pyramid may change and why training partners matters just as much as giving associates new tools. Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:02 Christian’s journey from tech partner to CEO 02:51 Taking over after David Kerr’s 26-year tenure 04:59 Building a five-year strategy with the partnership 07:29 Bird & Bird’s sector focus and competitive edge 12:15 The €1bn revenue target and why growth isn’t the strategy 17:43 International expansion, Saudi Arabia and India 20:34 Big Law consolidation, US mergers and external capital 27:11 AI, the law firm pyramid and why generic firms could struggle 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
August 19 · 41 min
Lewis Silkin’s Jo Farmer on why two managing partners are better than one
Jo Farmer, joint managing partner of Lewis Silkin, joins the podcast to discuss the firm’s rapid growth and the strategy behind it. She explains why Lewis Silkin has resisted chasing revenue for its own sake, instead focusing on organic growth, its core strengths and expanding into locations where it sees opportunities for both clients and talent. Jo also talks about her own route into law, from growing up without any lawyers in the family to building a career in IP and advertising and eventually becoming joint managing partner. She discusses why social mobility matters so much to her, and why she believes Lewis Silkin’s distinctive history continues to shape the culture of the firm today. We get into leadership too, including why Jo never originally planned to become managing partner, what she learned from studying leadership at Cambridge and Harvard, and why she is a big believer in sharing the top job with fellow joint managing partner Richard Miskella. Finally, Jo shares how Lewis Silkin is approaching AI, from its early adoption of Harvey to building its own employment product, Delphius. Chapters 00:01 Introduction 00:50 Jo’s journey to Lewis Silkin and managing partner 03:46 What makes Lewis Silkin different 08:06 Social mobility and opening up routes into law 10:02 Why Jo never planned to become managing partner 12:25 The case for joint managing partners 16:37 What Harvard taught Jo about leadership 22:47 The strategy behind Lewis Silkin’s rapid growth 30:34 AI, Harvey and the future of the law firm model 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
August 5 · 47 min
How David Beech built Knights into a £200m law firm
David Beech, CEO of listed law firm Knights, joins the podcast to discuss how he has built one of the UK's largest regional legal businesses since buying the firm in 2012. He explains why Knights has prioritised people and cash over traditional law firm metrics, how the business has grown through almost 30 acquisitions, and why he believes law firms should separate ownership from management. David also shares the thinking behind Knights' distinctive strategy. He discusses why the firm has no fee targets, why it manages through regional leadership rather than practice groups, and why culture is the first consideration when assessing acquisitions. The conversation explores external investment in law firms, drawing on David's experience of private equity backing and taking Knights public in 2018. He reflects on what it is like running a listed law firm, why he believes corporatisation is the long-term direction of the legal industry, and why minority investment may prove a more natural model for traditional partnerships than outright buyouts. Chapters 00:01 Introduction 00:50 Building Knights into the UK's largest regional legal business 05:47 Why people and cash matter more than fee targets 15:44 Rainmakers, culture and leading a collaborative law firm 21:34 Why Knights has no ambition to open in London 24:03 The acquisition playbook behind nearly 30 deals 33:58 Lessons from private equity and taking Knights public 38:42 Why more law firms won't follow Knights onto the stock market 42:44 The future of external capital in the legal industry 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
July 28 · 35 min
Inside Mayer Brown’s London private capital push
Dom Griffiths, London managing partner of Mayer Brown, joins the podcast to discuss the strategy behind one of the firm's strongest years in London. He explains why Mayer Brown has invested so heavily in private capital, how targeted lateral hiring is reshaping the practice and where he believes the firm can differentiate in an increasingly competitive transatlantic market. Dom also reflects on more than two decades at Mayer Brown, his journey from structured finance partner to London managing partner, and what he's learned about leading a large international partnership. He shares why consensus-building matters, how he approaches recruitment and why culture and client relationships remain at the heart of sustainable growth. The conversation also explores the changing shape of the legal market, from AI and private capital to transatlantic competition and law firm mergers. Dom explains why he believes technology will enhance, rather than replace, trusted advisers, and shares his views on what will separate the most successful firms over the next decade Chapters 00:01 Introduction 00:59 From structured finance partner to London managing partner 05:18 Mayer Brown's place in the global legal market 11:53 Building a private capital powerhouse in London 18:46 The firm's approach to lateral hiring and growth 22:11 Leading a global law firm partnership 30:21 Transatlantic mergers and Mayer Brown's strategy 33:21 AI, private capital and the future of Big Law 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
July 22 · 28 min
Richard Medd on Browne Jacobson’s growth strategy
Richard Medd, managing partner of Browne Jacobson, joins the podcast to discuss how the firm has doubled revenue over the past six years - revenue for the most recent financial year came in at a record £149m - and the strategy behind its recent growth. He explains why Browne Jacobson has invested heavily across its UK and Ireland network, the thinking behind its expanding London presence, and why he believes firms can be both ambitious and culture-driven. The conversation explores the firm's approach to lateral hiring, its growing private equity, technology and real estate practices, and why Medd sees London as an increasingly important part of the firm's long-term strategy rather than simply a shop window for clients. He also discusses Browne Jacobson's expansion into Ireland and how the firm thinks about international growth. We also discuss AI and legal technology, including the firm's rollout of Legora, how AI is changing the delivery of legal services, and why judgment and commercial context will remain critical skills for lawyers. Finally, Medd shares his views on external investment in law firms, why private capital is unlikely to transform the upper end of the UK legal market overnight, and what the next phase of growth looks like for Browne Jacobson. Chapters 00:01 Introduction 00:40 Richard Medd's journey to managing Browne Jacobson 01:26 The strategy behind Browne Jacobson's rapid growth 06:33 Why London has become central to the firm's ambitions 15:01 Expanding into Ireland and what's next for the firm 18:55 Rolling out AI across Browne Jacobson 21:43 How AI will change legal services and lawyer training 24:59 External investment and private capital in law firms 28:13 Will a top UK law firm take external capital? 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
July 14 · 38 min
What Microsoft expects from its law firms in the AI era
Rebecca Anderson, Microsoft's head of legal for EMEA, joins the podcast to discuss how the in-house function at one of the world's biggest tech companies is adapting to the AI era. She explains why Microsoft has overhauled its legal operating model, how AI is changing the role of lawyers, and why the function is increasingly becoming a strategic partner to the business rather than simply a legal adviser. The conversation explores how Microsoft is deploying AI across its own legal department, from AI-powered legal triage to contract drafting and decision-making tools. Anderson also shares how the company thinks about legal tech, why the operating model matters as much as the tools themselves, and how Microsoft's lawyers are using AI to move away from repetitive work towards higher-value strategic advice. We also discuss what Microsoft now expects from its external law firms in the age of AI, why AI fluency has become a baseline requirement, and how firms can differentiate themselves beyond simply adopting new technology. Finally, Anderson shares her thoughts on the future of the profession, the new legal roles emerging alongside AI, and the skills lawyers will need to thrive over the next decade. Chapters 00:01 Introduction 00:45 From private practice to leading Microsoft's EMEA legal team 03:55 Rebuilding Microsoft's legal operating model for the AI era 09:40 How Microsoft is using AI inside its own legal department 18:00 Microsoft's legal tech strategy and the future of contract review 19:40 What Microsoft now expects from its external law firms 29:30 The changing role of the in-house lawyer 35:25 What Microsoft looks for when hiring lawyers 36:30 The future of legal work in the age of AI 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
June 30 · 36 min
Sidley executive committee chair Brian Fahrney on London, talent and the global elite
Brian Fahrney, chair of Sidley Austin's executive committee, joins the podcast to discuss the firm's transformation into one of the fastest-growing US law firms in London. He explains why Sidley spent years investing in private equity, how the strategy reshaped its London office, and why the firm remains bullish on the London market. The conversation explores the growing importance of the "NYLON corridor", why US clients increasingly expect seamless transatlantic legal advice, and how Sidley thinks about growth, lateral hiring and building market-leading practices on both sides of the Atlantic. We also discuss AI, law firm culture and leadership, as well as why Fahrney believes the legal industry is consolidating into a smaller group of global firms with the scale to invest in talent, technology and client service. Finally, Fahrney shares his outlook for the next decade of Big Law and explains what he believes will separate the industry's winners from the rest. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Legora. To find out more about Legora, visit: https://legora.com/ Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:20 Sidley's growth story and Brian's path to executive committee chair 04:46 Running a global law firm 07:00 Why talent is critical to Sidley’s strategy 11:56 How Sidley’s London office became a private capital platform 15:46 The deliberate push into private equity 17:49 Why the NYLON corridor matters 24:16 Big Law consolidation and the firms pulling away 29:08 Partnership structures, talent development and future leaders 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
June 24 · 28 min
BCLP senior partner Segun Osuntokun on growth, mergers and weekend emails
Segun Osuntokun, senior partner at BCLP, joins the podcast to discuss leadership, firm strategy and what it takes to run a global law firm while continuing to practise as a partner. Having held senior leadership roles at the firm for more than seven years, he reflects on BCLP's recent return to growth and the long-term strategy behind it. The conversation explores the lessons learned from the merger between Berwin Leighton Paisner and Bryan Cave, why Osuntokun believes successful integrations must start with clients rather than firm economics, and his views on the current wave of transatlantic law firm combinations reshaping the market. We also discuss mental health, sustainable leadership and the demands of modern legal practice. Osuntokun shares his perspective on resilience, the importance of wellbeing in a people business, and the comments that sparked debate across the profession about sending non-urgent emails at weekends. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Legora. To find out more about Legora, visit: https://legora.com/ Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:36 From Nigeria to City law and becoming BCLP senior partner 04:26 BCLP's return to growth and the strategy behind it 07:35 How BCLP positions itself in the transatlantic legal market 09:12 Lessons from the Bryan Cave and BLP merger 13:34 US versus UK law firm culture: more similar than different? 15:47 Life as senior partner and balancing leadership with client work 18:19 Weekend emails, mental health and sustainable leadership 24:01 The future of Big Law, scale and BCLP's growth plans 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
June 16 · 1 hr 8 min
Private equity and the future of law firms | Podcast special
Private equity investment in law firms has become one of the most talked-about trends in the legal industry. But how much is actually happening? Why are investors interested in legal services, and what does outside capital mean for the traditional partnership model? In this special edition of the podcast, Oliver is joined by Patrick Savage (Burford Capital), Peter Jackson (former managing partner of Hill Dickinson), Adil Taha (legal industry consultant), and Oscar Dean (Grant Thornton) for a candid discussion about the future of law firm ownership. The panel explores why legal has become attractive to investors, whether private equity activity has slowed in recent months, what makes a law firm investable, and how external capital can be used to fund growth, technology and talent. They also discuss consolidation, succession planning, the differences between legal and other professional services sectors, and why some investors are becoming more selective about the firms they back. Finally, the conversation turns to the biggest unanswered question in the market: exits. The panel debates whether private equity-backed law firms can deliver the returns investors need, who the eventual buyers might be, and whether outside capital will become a normal feature of the UK legal market over the next decade. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Legora. To find out more about Legora, visit: https://legora.com/ Today’s episode is also supported by Definely. To find out more about Definely, visit: https://www.definely.com/nonbillable Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:30 Introductions & setting the scene 04:40 Why investors are bullish on legal services 12:55 Why legal is different from accounting and other professional services 22:30 Has the private equity boom in law firms stalled? 27:30 Why law firms seek outside capital, and what changes afterwards 42:40 Talent, AI and the future law firm business model 53:50 The exit problem: IPOs, secondary sales and investor returns 1:03:50 Advice for law firm leaders and predictions 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
June 10 · 36 min
The business of international arbitration with Boies Schiller’s Tim Foden
Tim Foden is co-head of the international arbitration group at Boies Schiller Flexner in London. In this episode, he joins the podcast to discuss his path into arbitration, his time at Allen & Overy and Quinn Emanuel, and why he believes specialist disputes firms offer something fundamentally different to full-service law firms. The conversation explores the business of international arbitration, from commercial disputes between companies to high-stakes claims brought by investors against states. Tim explains how investment treaty arbitration works in practice, why resource nationalism continues to drive disputes around the world, and what it is like handling cases involving governments, mining projects and politically sensitive assets. Tim also shares his perspective on litigation funding, pushing back on the idea that funders encourage weak claims. He explains how funding has become a critical tool for many claimants, how funded cases are assessed, and why the UK Supreme Court’s PACCAR decision has had less impact on his practice than many predicted. Finally, we discuss London's position as a global disputes hub, the outlook for arbitration and collective actions, and Boies Schiller Flexner's growth plans in the UK as the firm continues to expand its London disputes practice. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Legora. To find out more about Legora, visit: https://legora.com/ Today’s episode is also supported by Definely. To find out more about Definely, visit: https://www.definely.com/nonbillable Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:34 From courtroom dramas to international arbitration 03:10 Allen & Overy, Quinn Emanuel and life at a disputes boutique 05:06 Why specialist disputes firms think differently 10:48 Joining Boies Schiller and rebuilding the London office 16:16 The business of international arbitration and investor-state disputes 22:30 Litigation funding, PACCAR and access to justice 30:59 Why London remains the world's leading disputes hub 33:55 The future of disputes and Boies Schiller's growth plans in London 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
May 27 · 51 min
Why US firms are still winning the talent battle in London
Headhunter Scott Gibson returns to the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on what’s going on in the London partner market. As co-founder of Edwards Gibson, Scott tracks every major partner move in the City and has one of the clearest views of how the market is moving beneath the surface. We discuss why partner movement remains near record levels despite a tougher economic backdrop, the continued influence of US firms in London, and how areas like private capital, infrastructure and real estate are driving demand. Scott also explains why mergers create far more disruption than firms like to admit, and why that often leads to opportunities elsewhere in the market. The conversation also dives into the changing economics of partnership itself. Scott breaks down the rise of non-equity partnership structures, why UK firms face a “home turf disadvantage” against US rivals, and how compensation systems are evolving as firms compete for rainmakers. We also talk about whether partnership is still as attractive as it once was, what top firms are really looking for when they hire laterals, and why law firms today may be more fragile than many lawyers realise. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Legora. To find out more about Legora, visit: https://legora.com/ Today’s episode is also supported by Definely. To find out more about Definely, visit: https://www.definely.com/nonbillable Chapters 00:01 Introduction 02:26 The London partner recruitment market explained 04:21 Why partner moves hit record highs in 2025 08:17 The hottest practice areas in Big Law right now 11:37 Will restructuring finally boom in London? 14:41 Are Magic Circle firms fighting back against US rivals? 21:30 What law firms really want from lateral partner hires 27:06 The rise of non-equity partnership in Big Law 45:44 Which recent law firm mergers will actually 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
May 20 · 35 min
Inside Lawfront: The PE-backed law firm group betting big on consolidation
Axel Koelsch, COO of private equity-backed legal group Lawfront, joins the podcast to discuss how outside investment is reshaping the UK legal market and why he believes consolidation is still in its early stages. Koelsch explains how Lawfront’s model works in practice, why the group allows firms to retain their brands and leadership teams, and how central investment in areas like technology, operations and business services is becoming increasingly important as law firms face growing competitive pressure. The conversation also explores what lawyers often misunderstand about private equity, the operational lessons Koelsch brought from senior roles at firms including Freshfields and Addleshaw Goddard, and why the traditional partnership model can struggle to move quickly enough in a rapidly changing market. Finally, Koelsch discusses the future of the sector, including AI, scale, talent and why he expects further consolidation across both the regional and commercial law firm markets in the years ahead. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Legora. To find out more about Legora, visit: https://legora.com/ Today’s episode is also supported by Definely. To find out more about Definely, visit: https://www.definely.com/nonbillable Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:30 Axel’s journey from lawyer to law firm COO 03:25 Applying consultant-style strategy inside major law firms 07:18 Why Axel joined Lawfront 10:38 Inside Lawfront’s “national scale for regional leaders” model 14:31 How Lawfront integrates firms without losing culture 20:08 The Lawfront growth playbook: recruitment, pricing and EBITDA 22:25 Why equity partnership is becoming less attractive to lawyers 27:46 Why Axel believes consolidation in UK law is inevitable 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
May 12 · 29 min
How private equity is changing the legal market in Sweden
In this episode, Maria-Pia Hope - former managing partner of top Swedish law firm Vinge and now CEO of private equity-backed legal group AGRD - explains why she believes the legal market is entering a “paradigm shift” driven by AI, technology and changing client expectations. Backed by Nordic PE firm Axcel, AGRD has already brought together eight Swedish commercial firms and is now one of the country’s largest legal groups. Maria-Pia discusses how the model works in practice, with firms retaining their own brands, clients and day-to-day independence while pooling resources around AI, technology and central functions. The aim, she says, is to help entrepreneurial firms embrace industry change without losing their culture or identity, while also benefiting from faster decision-making and longer-term investment horizons. The conversation also explores how private equity’s role in legal is evolving, with Maria-Pia arguing that modern investors bring expertise, operational support and strategic thinking rather than simply focusing on cost-cutting. She also discusses AGRD’s plans to expand further across the Nordics and eventually into the UK market, where the group sees significant opportunity. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Legora. To find out more about Legora, visit: https://legora.com/ Today’s episode is also supported by Definely. To find out more about Definely, visit: https://www.definely.com/nonbillable Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:30 Leading Sweden’s top law firm Vinge 03:50 Why Maria-Pia joined private equity-backed AGRD 06:07 Building a group of entrepreneurial commercial law firms 08:38 The “Nordic governance model” and preserving firm independence 11:15 AGRD’s AI and technology strategy 13:00 How private equity-backed law firms operate day-to-day 18:00 Leaving the Swedish Bar Association to take PE investment 19:50 AGRD’s UK expansion plans and the future of legal consolidation 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

Showing 1–20 of 29 episodes