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: