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:

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: