In this episode of Chat OMP, William Peake chats with Carolynn Vivian, our Cayman Islands Office Managing Partner, about her experiences in the role over the past year. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from legal micromanagement to broader leadership, the unique dynamics of managing a diverse workforce in Cayman, and the highlights of fostering a welcoming and culturally vibrant office environment.

In this episode, William Peake and Paul Sephton discuss the 20th anniversary of our Hong Kong office, reflecting on two decades of growth and the office’s recent accolade from HR Asia as one of the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia”. Paul highlights the office’s growth and employee-focused initiatives like wellness programs and engagement committees and shares insights on authentic business development for long-term client relationships.

In this episode, William Peake and Pavlos Aristodemou explore leadership challenges, data utilisation, and business development in a global context. They discuss the importance of fostering trust, understanding clients' needs, and promoting jurisdictions effectively in the legal sector. Pavlos highlights the value of long-term relationship-building and adapting to new tools like LinkedIn to enhance client engagement.

In this episode, Rachel discusses managing her multifaceted role, from mentoring junior lawyers and leading the Transactional practice in the EMEA region to balancing life as a working parent. She reflects on becoming a more trusting leader, the value of collaboration across practices and our offices, and the importance of accepting imperfection when managing work-life balance. She also highlights London’s dynamic role in global offshore legal services, underscoring our ability to adapt to diverse client needs.

William and Henry explore Bermuda’s growing success, fuelled by its balanced regulatory framework, easy access to New York, and a local environment that fosters opportunity. Henry introduces his "pick up a shovel" philosophy, championing decisive action and practical problem-solving to deliver the best results. They also highlight the importance of questioning conventional wisdom in law firms, advocating for fresh, innovative approaches to tackle complex challenges.

In this episode, William and Lishi explore her legal career path, highlighting her decision to study in London, which shaped her adaptability and professional growth. They discuss the challenges and nuances of being a managing partner, including balancing approachability with authority, handling responsibilities beyond legal work, and the daily realities of leadership.

In the final episode of season one, William chats with Carolynn Vivian our Cayman Islands Office Managing Partner, about her career journey from Sydney to Cayman, including requalifying in Vancouver. Carolyn highlights the importance of staff development and Cayman’s role as a global financial centre. She also shares helpful advice for junior lawyers about the importance of cultivating curiosity, teamwork, and organisational skills.

In this episode, Shanghai Managing Partner Vicky Lord reflects on her career path from criminal barrister in London to leading our Shanghai office. Vicky discusses the importance of teamwork and responsibility in managing a successful office and shares helpful advice for junior lawyers about always continuing to learn. She highlights the strategic significance of the Shanghai office in serving Chinese clients using offshore structures, stressing the value of communication in their local languages.