In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Julian Stait, co-managing Partner and Head of the London Litigation & Arbitration team at Milbank. Julian shares his remarkable career journey, from his early days as a litigator to leading one of Europe’s top dispute resolution teams. With over 30 years of experience, Julian discusses the skills and attributes required to succeed as a partner, the evolution of law firm management, and the role of empathy and integrity in leadership.

Julian reflects on his transition from a litigator to a partner and his journey through multiple firms, providing valuable insights into what makes a successful partner in today’s competitive legal landscape. He also touches on the importance of technology, AI, and team dynamics in shaping the future of law firms.

Expect to Learn:

1. Key skills for success as a top law firm partner, including client handling, leadership, and integrity.
2. The differences between UK and US law firms and how management structures are evolving.
3. The impact of AI and technology on the legal industry, particularly in dispute resolution.
4. How empathy and vulnerability can shape effective leadership and team collaboration.
5. Insights into integrating laterals successfully and why cultural fit matters.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

[00:00] – Introduction to the episode and guest, Julian Stait

[02:26] – Julian’s journey from a classical music background to law

[04:30] – Transitioning into litigation and becoming a partner at DLA Piper

[08:56] – The key attributes for becoming a successful partner

[10:03] – Leadership and managing large teams in law firms

[15:02] – Strategic negotiation and seeing the big picture in litigation

[17:07] – Comparing success between UK and US law firms

[23:29] – Management challenges and the importance of listening and empathy

[30:31] – Balancing practice with management roles

[36:45] – Key reasons for successful integration of lateral hires

[45:21] – Mentorship and key advice received during Julian’s career

[52:01] – The role of AI and technology in shaping future law firm success

Connect with Julian Stait:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-stait-7041b516/
2. Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/milbankllp/
3. Company’s Website: https://www.milbank.com/en/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

1. LinkedIn:

In this episode of Beyond Billables, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Clare Murray, Managing Partner at CM Murray LLP, to explore what it really takes to build a successful legal practice. From founding her firm after a life-changing health event to leading with vision and heart, Clare shares candid insights into the inner workings of partnership culture, law firm leadership, and the evolving legal landscape. This conversation is a deep dive into how collaboration, accountability, and strategic thinking define success in modern legal practice.

Clare Murray is the founding partner of CM Murray LLP, a UK-based specialist law firm focused on partnership, employment law, and professional regulation. With over 20 years of leadership, Clare has built a top-ranked practice known for handling complex partnership disputes and advising senior executives and law firms. She is recognised as an Eminent Practitioner and is in the Hall of Fame in major legal directories. Clare also speaks regularly on leadership and law firm strategy, often leading discussions on partner integration, PE investment, and future-proofing law firms.

1. What truly defines a successful law firm partner beyond billable hours.
2. How Clare turned personal adversity into the foundation of a top-tier law firm.
3. Why partnership culture and collaboration matter more than ever in legal practice.
4. How private equity and AI are reshaping the future of law firms.
5. The keys to effective partner integration and the analogy of grafting vines in firm culture.

1. [00:00] – Teaser
2. [00:59] – Welcome to Beyond Billables & Introduction of Clare Murray
3. [03:19] – Early Influences: Family Background & Path to Law
4. [08:02] – Defining a Successful Partner: Collaboration, Accountability & Resilience
5. [12:51] – Remuneration Systems & Their Impact on Firm Culture and Collaboration
6. [15:25] – Lateral Hire Integration: Challenges, Optimism & Realistic Expectations
7. [19:13] – Rethinking Lateral Hiring: Emphasis on Potential vs. Portable Client Book
8. [21:52] – Coaching Laterals: The "Rocket Science" of Basic Practice-Building
9. [25:26] – Building a Practice: Internal Networks, Trust & Client Relationships
10. [27:00] – The Transition from Jobbing Partner to Leader/Manager
11. [30:04] – Leadership Tenure: Term Limits, Trust & Delivering the Vision
12. [34:30] – Strategic Growth of CM Murray LLP: Client-Led Expansion & Adjacent Services
13. [38:13] – Transformative Experience: The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
14. [40:00] – Leadership Lesson: The Strength in Seeking External Help
15. [43:41] – Critical Success Factors for Laterals: Early Internal Opportunities & Culture
16. [46:30] – Looking Ahead: Future Factors Affecting Law Firm Partner Success
17. [47:14] – Private Equity in Law Firms: Curiosity, Due Diligence & Strategic Fit
18. [50:17] – The Ripple Effect: Industry Education & PE Realities for Partners
19. [52:33] – The Impact of AI: From Super-Specialist Referrals to Strategic Implementation
20. [55:41] – Clare’s Final Points: Upcoming Events on Leadership & The Glass Cliff
21. [56:08] – Closing Remarks & Thanks

Connect with Clare Murray:

1. LinkedIn:

In this episode of Beyond Billables, host Stephen Rodney speaks with David Stewart, Managing Director at Coriats Trust Company Limited. From his early legal roots in London to his transformative leadership at Olswang and current work with high-net-worth clients in the Turks and Caicos, David reflects on the dynamics of partnership, leadership, and building a successful career in law. This conversation offers a candid and insightful look at the evolution of law firm culture, the challenges of leadership, and the changing expectations for legal professionals today.

David Stewart is a seasoned lawyer and former CEO of Olswang, where he led the firm through years of growth and change. Today, he is a partner at Griffiths and Partners (now Dentons) and managing director of Coates Trust Company in the Turks and Caicos. David's career spans decades of practice in litigation and trust management, with a strong focus on collaboration, business development, and supporting high-net-worth families globally.

• Why collaboration is at the heart of successful law firm partnerships
• How David transitioned from managing litigation teams to leading entire firms
• What makes a successful lateral hire and why so many fail
• The importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in law firm leadership
• How legal careers are evolving in the face of AI and shifting partner expectations

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [00:53] – Welcome & Introduction to Beyond Billables & Guest David Stewart
• [02:06] – David’s Journey to Becoming a Lawyer & Early Career
• [05:06] – The Core Attributes of a Successful Law Firm Partner
• [09:54] – Moving from SJ Berwin to Olswang: Seeking Collaboration
• [11:05] – Culture & Legacy of SJ Berwin Under Stanley Berwin
• [14:31] – Integration Experiences When Moving Law Firms
• [16:54] – Reinvention at Griffiths & Partners in the Turks and Caicos
• [19:25] – Transitioning from Partner to Law Firm Leadership
• [21:31] – Qualities of Successful Law Firm Leaders
• [24:39] – Reflections on Olswang’s Merger with CMS
• [26:10] – Attributes of Success in US vs. UK Law Firms
• [29:53] – Why Lateral Hires Succeed or Fail
• [33:18] – The Insecurity of Law Firm Partners & Importance of Internal Integration
• [35:53] – Early Challenges at Olswang & Building a Litigation Team
• [37:56] – Mentors Who Shaped David’s Career
• [42:33] – David’s Approach to Mentoring Younger Lawyers
• [44:09] – Best & Worst Moments as a Partner
• [48:13] – The Challenges of Leading Olswang & Lessons Learned
• [49:44] – Reflections on What Could Have Been Done Differently
• [51:55] – The Future of Law Firms & the Impact of AI
• [54:49] – David’s Non-Negotiable Behaviours for Success
• [55:37] – One Golden Rule for Being a Successful Partner
• [56:53] – Closing Remarks & Thanks

Connect with David Stewart:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-stewart-7bb2a43/
• Company’s Website: https://www.coriats.com/
• Company’s LinkedIn: