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: