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:

In this episode of Beyond Billables, Stephen Rodney speaks with Philip Rodney, former Chair of Burnes & Co, about his 40-year legal career and leadership journey. From his early days as a litigator to leading the transformation of a mid-market firm into a Scottish powerhouse, Philip shares his insights on what it takes to succeed in law and leadership. He reflects on the importance of integrity, adaptability, and collaboration, while offering valuable advice for both aspiring lawyers and current leaders.

Philip retired from law in 2018 after leading Burnes through a successful merger, and now advises businesses in various sectors. He also shares his post-law journey, including writing columns for The Times and serving on various boards.

Expect to Learn

• The key attributes for being a successful partner in today’s legal market
• Why adaptability and collaboration are vital for career growth
• Insights on handling firm mergers and integrations
• Lessons on leadership from mentoring and real-life experience
• Advice for transitioning out of law and finding new career paths

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

• [00:00] - Teaser
• [01:16] – Welcome & Introduction to Philip Rodney
• [06:01] – The Core Attributes of a Successful Law Firm Partner
• [08:57] – Leadership in a Small Firm vs. a Large Firm
• [10:20] – An "Accidental Leader": The Path to Becoming Chair
• [13:56] – Engineering a Transformational Merger with Paull & Williamson
• [16:21] – Handling Merger Integration and "Chocolate Gate"
• [18:16] – Fostering Integration in a Multi-Office Firm
• [20:46] – The Importance of Humility in a Merger
• [23:22] – The Role of Formal Integration Plans for Laterals
• [28:51] – Best and Worst Moments: The Leadership Journey & Recurring Nightmares
• [31:19] – Regrets: Balancing a Demanding Career with Family Life
• [35:11] – Key Mentors and Their Lasting Advice
• [37:53] – The Best Piece of Advice: A Good Leader is Right 7 Times Out of 10
• [41:07] – The Decision to Retire and Go "Cold Turkey"
• [43:26] – Life After Law: Journalism, Boards, and a New Career
• [49:27] – The Pros and Cons of Agile Working
• [51:30] – Three Non-Negotiable Behaviours for Hiring
• [52:50] – The One Golden Rule for a Successful Partner
• [53:37] – Closing Remarks

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:

In this episode of Beyond Billables, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Sarah Lee, former Head of Disputes and Investigations at Slaughter and May, about her journey through the legal profession and what it takes to become a successful partner. Drawing from over two decades at one of the UK’s top firms, Sarah reflects on the evolving nature of leadership, diversity, and culture in law. From career pivots to life after partnership, she shares lessons that go beyond the billables.

Sarah Lee spent 21 years as a partner at Slaughter and May, where she led the Disputes and Investigations Group and served on the firm’s Partnership Board. A trailblazer in diversity, she was also the firm’s first partner responsible for inclusion and held influential roles in legal recruitment and judicial appointments. Now retired from practice, she holds multiple non-executive and advisory positions across the public and non-profit sectors.

Expect to Learn

• How career detours can lead to lasting success in law
• What makes a successful law firm partner in today’s landscape
• The real impact of leadership roles on personal growth
• Why adaptability and openness are critical to legal careers
• How to plan and transition smoothly into life beyond law

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

• [00:00] - Teaser
• [00:54] - Introduction: Welcoming Sarah Lee
• [02:10] - Sarah's Unconventional Journey to Law
• [05:41] - Defining a Successful Partner's Attributes
• [10:33] - The Transition and Reality of Being a Partner
• [16:30] - The Juggling Act of Management and Client Work
• [18:25] - Identifying Future Talent and the Importance of Resilience
• [21:36] - Firm Culture, Meritocracy, and Evolution on Diversity
• [26:25] - Stepping into Leadership: Becoming Head of Department
• [30:34] - The Success of Lateral Associates and Cultural Adaptation
• [37:55] - Best and Worst Moments of Partnership
• [41:47] - Reflections: What to Do Differently and Key Mentors
• [47:37] - Off-Ramping: Using External Roles to Transition
• [51:30] - Advice for Planning a Life Beyond Partnership
• [54:40] - One Golden Rule for a Successful Partner

Connect with Sarah Lee:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-lee-a0a2a21b7/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rare-technology-linkedin/
• 2nd Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-works-charity/
• 3rd Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slaughter-and-may/
• 4th Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/islington-giving/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
• Company’s Website: