Lawsy Originals Mon, 25 May 2026 09:31:38 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2561585 en-gb © 2026 Lawsy Originals yes cea0d72e-86b4-5a20-bf12-6025bdf6cc3f Hugo episodic false Conversations with lawyers about the real stories behind their careers.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Hugo https://storage.buzzsprout.com/y7n5d7vky5ytoxhn9s5prff504pb?.jpg Lawsy Originals Tim Foden, Partner at Boies Schiller Flexner — On International Arbitration, Crisis Management and Building a Global Legal Career Tim Foden, Partner at Boies Schiller Flexner — On International Arbitration, Crisis Management and Building a Global Legal Career In this episode, Tim Foden, partner at Boies Schiller Flexner in London, shares his unconventional journey from a blue-collar upbringing in Philadelphia to becoming a leading international arbitration lawyer working on high-stakes disputes around the world.

Tim discusses his early career experiences, including working in the mailroom at Sullivan & Cromwell while at university, gaining exposure to law firm life before even qualifying, and later developing hands-on advocacy skills as an insurance defence litigator arguing cases in US courts almost immediately after being called to the bar.

He reflects on the challenges of breaking into Big Law after initially pursuing public interest law, and how roles in the US federal courts helped him build core skills in legal writing, advocacy and international disputes.

He now practises at Boies Schiller Flexner, a disputes-only firm founded by David Boies, Jonathan Schiller and Donald Flexner, where he focuses on international arbitration and investor-state disputes.

Tim’s practice centres on representing companies whose investments have been interfered with by foreign governments, often involving disputes under bilateral investment treaties and proceedings before World Bank arbitration bodies. His work spans regions including Africa, the Americas, Australia and Central Europe, often involving politically sensitive and high-risk situations.

A significant part of the conversation focuses on career development — from mastering the fundamentals of drafting and legal analysis to building long-term client relationships. Tim shares candid insights into business development, emphasising that trust, authenticity and consistency matter far more than superficial networking.

He also discusses the importance of autonomy in legal careers, how building a personal client base can transform both professional and personal life and why adaptability is essential in a rapidly changing global legal landscape.

Finally, Tim offers practical advice for junior lawyers: focus on mastering your craft, develop genuine relationships early in your career and understand that long-term success in law requires a combination of technical excellence, commercial awareness and human skills.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Tim Foden: Career Overview  
02:00 Qualifying in the US & Move to London  
03:30 Early Career: Mailroom at Sullivan & Cromwell  
07:30 First Legal Roles & Courtroom Experience  
10:00 Public Interest Law & Career Pivot  
13:00 Federal Court Experience & Legal Writing  
14:30 Joining Crowell & Moring  
16:00 Moving into International Arbitration  
17:30 Move to London & Allen & Overy  
20:00 Training, Structure & Learning English Law  
23:30 Move to Quinn Emanuel  
25:00 Business Development & Client Relationships  
26:30 Launching LALIVE London Office  
27:30 Joining Boies Schiller Flexner  
29:00 Disputes-Only Model & Trial Strategy  
32:00 What is Investor-State Arbitration?  
34:00 Global Practice & Client Base  
36:00 Arbitration vs Litigation & Transparency  
38:30 Enforcement of Awards Against States  
41:00 Geopolitics & Natural Resource Disputes  
44:00 Crisis Management in Practice  
46:30 Business Development Philosophy  
50:00 Building Long-Term Relationships  
52:30 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
56:00 Autonomy, Career Progression & Lifestyle  
59:00 Final Reflections & What’s Next  

]]> In this episode, Tim Foden, partner at Boies Schiller Flexner in London, shares his unconventional journey from a blue-collar upbringing in Philadelphia to becoming a leading international arbitration lawyer working on high-stakes disputes around the world.

Tim discusses his early career experiences, including working in the mailroom at Sullivan & Cromwell while at university, gaining exposure to law firm life before even qualifying, and later developing hands-on advocacy skills as an insurance defence litigator arguing cases in US courts almost immediately after being called to the bar.

He reflects on the challenges of breaking into Big Law after initially pursuing public interest law, and how roles in the US federal courts helped him build core skills in legal writing, advocacy and international disputes.

He now practises at Boies Schiller Flexner, a disputes-only firm founded by David Boies, Jonathan Schiller and Donald Flexner, where he focuses on international arbitration and investor-state disputes.

Tim’s practice centres on representing companies whose investments have been interfered with by foreign governments, often involving disputes under bilateral investment treaties and proceedings before World Bank arbitration bodies. His work spans regions including Africa, the Americas, Australia and Central Europe, often involving politically sensitive and high-risk situations.

A significant part of the conversation focuses on career development — from mastering the fundamentals of drafting and legal analysis to building long-term client relationships. Tim shares candid insights into business development, emphasising that trust, authenticity and consistency matter far more than superficial networking.

He also discusses the importance of autonomy in legal careers, how building a personal client base can transform both professional and personal life and why adaptability is essential in a rapidly changing global legal landscape.

Finally, Tim offers practical advice for junior lawyers: focus on mastering your craft, develop genuine relationships early in your career and understand that long-term success in law requires a combination of technical excellence, commercial awareness and human skills.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Tim Foden: Career Overview  
02:00 Qualifying in the US & Move to London  
03:30 Early Career: Mailroom at Sullivan & Cromwell  
07:30 First Legal Roles & Courtroom Experience  
10:00 Public Interest Law & Career Pivot  
13:00 Federal Court Experience & Legal Writing  
14:30 Joining Crowell & Moring  
16:00 Moving into International Arbitration  
17:30 Move to London & Allen & Overy  
20:00 Training, Structure & Learning English Law  
23:30 Move to Quinn Emanuel  
25:00 Business Development & Client Relationships  
26:30 Launching LALIVE London Office  
27:30 Joining Boies Schiller Flexner  
29:00 Disputes-Only Model & Trial Strategy  
32:00 What is Investor-State Arbitration?  
34:00 Global Practice & Client Base  
36:00 Arbitration vs Litigation & Transparency  
38:30 Enforcement of Awards Against States  
41:00 Geopolitics & Natural Resource Disputes  
44:00 Crisis Management in Practice  
46:30 Business Development Philosophy  
50:00 Building Long-Term Relationships  
52:30 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
56:00 Autonomy, Career Progression & Lifestyle  
59:00 Final Reflections & What’s Next  

]]> Buzzsprout-19127393 Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 +0100 3882 1 9 full false Mark Hunting, Partner at Bracewell — On White Collar Crime, In-House vs Private Practice and the Future of AI in Law Mark Hunting, Partner at Bracewell — On White Collar Crime, In-House vs Private Practice and the Future of AI in Law In this episode, Mark Hunting, partner at Bracewell in London, shares his journey from training at Hogan Lovells to building a career spanning private practice, in-house at bp and back into private practice.

Mark specialises in white collar crime, investigations and regulatory compliance, working on matters including bribery, corruption, fraud, money laundering and sanctions, with a particular focus on the energy sector.

He reflects on his early career in disputes, the value of hands-on advocacy experience and why being in the office plays a critical role in developing junior lawyers through exposure, mentorship and informal learning.

The conversation explores his move to Ropes & Gray, where he joined a small and entrepreneurial London team, gaining early responsibility in business development and client relationships.

Mark then shares insights from his time in-house at bp, including the increased responsibility, decision-making exposure and commercial impact that comes with working inside a global organisation, as well as the differences in career progression compared to private practice.

The episode dives into his return to private practice at Bracewell, where he is building a white collar crime and investigations practice in London within a highly specialised energy-focused firm.

Mark also provides a detailed look into his practice area, including internal investigations, dealing with regulators such as the Serious Fraud Office and Department of Justice, and the increasing complexity of sanctions and global compliance.

The conversation explores major trends shaping the legal landscape, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain risk, sanctions enforcement and the growing challenges of operating across multiple jurisdictions.

Mark also shares insights into the energy sector, including innovation in oil and gas, the rise of renewables and the increasing risk of fraud in areas such as carbon credits and sustainability-linked projects.

A significant part of the discussion focuses on AI and legal tech, where Mark explains how he uses AI in practice, from document review and investigations to coding in Excel and improving efficiency, while cautioning against over-reliance on AI for core legal reasoning and advocacy.

Finally, Mark offers practical advice for junior lawyers, including the importance of mastering detail, gaining broad experience early in your career and investing in long-term relationships both inside and outside the firm.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Mark Hunting: Career Overview  
01:00 Training at Hogan Lovells & Early Career  
03:00 Life as a Trainee & Importance of Office Culture  
05:00 Moving to Ropes & Gray  
06:30 Working in a Small, Entrepreneurial Team  
08:00 Moving In-House to bp  
10:00 Responsibility, Decision-Making & Meritocracy  
12:00 In-House vs Private Practice  
13:00 Returning to Private Practice at Bracewell  
14:00 What Bracewell Does & Energy Focus  
15:30 Overview of White Collar Crime & Investigations  
17:00 Global Work: Africa, Middle East & Energy Sector  
18:00 Role as a Magistrate & Early Responsibility  
20:00 Geopolitics, Sanctions & Global Compliance  
23:00 Supply Chains, Regulation & Risk  
26:00 Energy Transition, Renewables & Fraud Risks  
30:00 Innovation in Oil & Gas  
33:00 AI in Legal Practice: Use Cases & Limitations  
38:00 AI, Efficiency & Investigations  
43:00 Training Lawyers in an AI-Driven World  
48:00 Pricing, Billing & Law Firm Economics  
54:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
58:00 Building Relationships & Career Development  
01:00:00 Final Reflections & What’s Next  

]]> In this episode, Mark Hunting, partner at Bracewell in London, shares his journey from training at Hogan Lovells to building a career spanning private practice, in-house at bp and back into private practice.

Mark specialises in white collar crime, investigations and regulatory compliance, working on matters including bribery, corruption, fraud, money laundering and sanctions, with a particular focus on the energy sector.

He reflects on his early career in disputes, the value of hands-on advocacy experience and why being in the office plays a critical role in developing junior lawyers through exposure, mentorship and informal learning.

The conversation explores his move to Ropes & Gray, where he joined a small and entrepreneurial London team, gaining early responsibility in business development and client relationships.

Mark then shares insights from his time in-house at bp, including the increased responsibility, decision-making exposure and commercial impact that comes with working inside a global organisation, as well as the differences in career progression compared to private practice.

The episode dives into his return to private practice at Bracewell, where he is building a white collar crime and investigations practice in London within a highly specialised energy-focused firm.

Mark also provides a detailed look into his practice area, including internal investigations, dealing with regulators such as the Serious Fraud Office and Department of Justice, and the increasing complexity of sanctions and global compliance.

The conversation explores major trends shaping the legal landscape, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain risk, sanctions enforcement and the growing challenges of operating across multiple jurisdictions.

Mark also shares insights into the energy sector, including innovation in oil and gas, the rise of renewables and the increasing risk of fraud in areas such as carbon credits and sustainability-linked projects.

A significant part of the discussion focuses on AI and legal tech, where Mark explains how he uses AI in practice, from document review and investigations to coding in Excel and improving efficiency, while cautioning against over-reliance on AI for core legal reasoning and advocacy.

Finally, Mark offers practical advice for junior lawyers, including the importance of mastering detail, gaining broad experience early in your career and investing in long-term relationships both inside and outside the firm.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Mark Hunting: Career Overview  
01:00 Training at Hogan Lovells & Early Career  
03:00 Life as a Trainee & Importance of Office Culture  
05:00 Moving to Ropes & Gray  
06:30 Working in a Small, Entrepreneurial Team  
08:00 Moving In-House to bp  
10:00 Responsibility, Decision-Making & Meritocracy  
12:00 In-House vs Private Practice  
13:00 Returning to Private Practice at Bracewell  
14:00 What Bracewell Does & Energy Focus  
15:30 Overview of White Collar Crime & Investigations  
17:00 Global Work: Africa, Middle East & Energy Sector  
18:00 Role as a Magistrate & Early Responsibility  
20:00 Geopolitics, Sanctions & Global Compliance  
23:00 Supply Chains, Regulation & Risk  
26:00 Energy Transition, Renewables & Fraud Risks  
30:00 Innovation in Oil & Gas  
33:00 AI in Legal Practice: Use Cases & Limitations  
38:00 AI, Efficiency & Investigations  
43:00 Training Lawyers in an AI-Driven World  
48:00 Pricing, Billing & Law Firm Economics  
54:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
58:00 Building Relationships & Career Development  
01:00:00 Final Reflections & What’s Next  

]]> Buzzsprout-19097302 Wed, 13 May 2026 10:00:00 +0100 3678 1 8 full false David Savage, Head of Construction at Charles Russell Speechlys — On Building a Practice, Law Firm Growth and the Future of Legal Careers David Savage, Head of Construction at Charles Russell Speechlys — On Building a Practice, Law Firm Growth and the Future of Legal Careers In this episode, David Savage, Head of Construction at Charles Russell Speechlys, shares his journey from construction chambers to building and leading a top-tier construction practice within an international law firm.

From working at Shell before university to training at one of London’s leading construction chambers, David explains how early exposure to business and industry shaped his approach to law and client relationships.

He reflects on his transition into private practice, including the realities of pupillage, competition for tenancy and the decision to move into a fast-growing law firm environment.

David shares insights from his time helping to scale a construction team and what it takes to build, lead and grow high-performing legal teams.

The conversation explores his move to Charles Russell Speechlys, where he effectively built a construction team from scratch, navigating the challenges of starting without an existing client base and developing a practice through entrepreneurial thinking and business development.

David also discusses law firm mergers, including the strategic, cultural and operational considerations behind combining firms and scaling internationally.

The episode covers the evolving role of AI in legal practice, how firms are training lawyers in prompt engineering and why the human elements of law — trust, judgement and client relationships — remain critical.

David shares practical insights into construction law, including how lawyers balance black letter law with commercial realities and why understanding the business context is essential to delivering value to clients.

The conversation also dives into personal branding, LinkedIn and modern business development — including why authentic content can outperform traditional law firm marketing.

Finally, David offers advice for junior lawyers on developing commercial awareness, embracing AI, building relationships and taking advantage of opportunities both online and in person.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet David Savage: Career Overview  
01:00 Working Before University & Early Experience  
04:30 Life at the Construction Bar  
08:00 Moving from Chambers to Law Firms  
10:00 Building a High-Growth Construction Team  
12:00 Learning from Entrepreneurial Partners  
14:00 Business Development & Building a Network  
16:00 Moving to Charles Russell Speechlys  
19:00 Building a Team from Scratch  
21:00 Growth, Leadership and Scaling a Practice  
23:00 Law Firm Mergers: Strategy and Challenges  
27:00 AI in Law and Legal Tech Adoption  
30:00 Training Lawyers in Prompt Engineering  
33:00 The Impact of AI on Legal Careers  
37:00 Overview of Charles Russell Speechlys  
41:00 What Construction Lawyers Actually Do  
45:00 Commercial Awareness vs Black Letter Law  
48:00 Business Development and Personal Branding  
52:00 LinkedIn, Authenticity and Building a Brand  
56:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
01:00:00 Career Reflections and What’s Next  

]]> In this episode, David Savage, Head of Construction at Charles Russell Speechlys, shares his journey from construction chambers to building and leading a top-tier construction practice within an international law firm.

From working at Shell before university to training at one of London’s leading construction chambers, David explains how early exposure to business and industry shaped his approach to law and client relationships.

He reflects on his transition into private practice, including the realities of pupillage, competition for tenancy and the decision to move into a fast-growing law firm environment.

David shares insights from his time helping to scale a construction team and what it takes to build, lead and grow high-performing legal teams.

The conversation explores his move to Charles Russell Speechlys, where he effectively built a construction team from scratch, navigating the challenges of starting without an existing client base and developing a practice through entrepreneurial thinking and business development.

David also discusses law firm mergers, including the strategic, cultural and operational considerations behind combining firms and scaling internationally.

The episode covers the evolving role of AI in legal practice, how firms are training lawyers in prompt engineering and why the human elements of law — trust, judgement and client relationships — remain critical.

David shares practical insights into construction law, including how lawyers balance black letter law with commercial realities and why understanding the business context is essential to delivering value to clients.

The conversation also dives into personal branding, LinkedIn and modern business development — including why authentic content can outperform traditional law firm marketing.

Finally, David offers advice for junior lawyers on developing commercial awareness, embracing AI, building relationships and taking advantage of opportunities both online and in person.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet David Savage: Career Overview  
01:00 Working Before University & Early Experience  
04:30 Life at the Construction Bar  
08:00 Moving from Chambers to Law Firms  
10:00 Building a High-Growth Construction Team  
12:00 Learning from Entrepreneurial Partners  
14:00 Business Development & Building a Network  
16:00 Moving to Charles Russell Speechlys  
19:00 Building a Team from Scratch  
21:00 Growth, Leadership and Scaling a Practice  
23:00 Law Firm Mergers: Strategy and Challenges  
27:00 AI in Law and Legal Tech Adoption  
30:00 Training Lawyers in Prompt Engineering  
33:00 The Impact of AI on Legal Careers  
37:00 Overview of Charles Russell Speechlys  
41:00 What Construction Lawyers Actually Do  
45:00 Commercial Awareness vs Black Letter Law  
48:00 Business Development and Personal Branding  
52:00 LinkedIn, Authenticity and Building a Brand  
56:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
01:00:00 Career Reflections and What’s Next  

]]> Hugo Buzzsprout-19031769 Wed, 06 May 2026 10:00:00 +0100 3726 1 7 full false Tom Platts, Head of Corporate at Stephenson Harwood — On Building Out a Niche From Challenging Emerging Markets Tom Platts, Head of Corporate at Stephenson Harwood — On Building Out a Niche From Challenging Emerging Markets In this episode, Tom Platts, an international M&A partner at Stevenson Harwood, shares his journey through the legal industry, working across London, Singapore and emerging markets over a 20+ year career.

From training at Herbert Smith to leading cross-border transactions across Asia, Tom explains how he built an international practice and why keeping an open mind early in your career is critical to long-term success. 

He discusses the realities of trainee life, choosing a practice area and why many junior lawyers struggle with the decision of what to specialise in. Tom also shares insights into working across jurisdictions, including his experience opening an office in Myanmar and advising on complex transactions in developing markets. 

The conversation explores how the role of a lawyer evolves over time—from technical legal work to becoming a commercial advisor, managing clients and building a book of business.

Tom also reflects on the changing culture of law firms, the importance of business development, and how AI is beginning to reshape the legal industry. 

Finally, he shares his Walk-to-Talk.com initiative, a global project focused on mental health and raising funds for dementia support. 

00:00 Introduction
00:30 Tom Platts’ Career Journey
03:00 Life as a Trainee Lawyer
07:00 Choosing a Practice Area
12:00 Moving to Singapore & International Work
18:00 Building a Career in Emerging Markets
25:00 Myanmar & Cross-Border Legal Work
32:00 Work Culture in Law Firms
38:00 Business Development & Making Partner
45:00 AI in the Legal Industry
52:00 Walk to Talk & Mental Health Initiative
58:00 Career Advice for Junior Lawyers

]]> In this episode, Tom Platts, an international M&A partner at Stevenson Harwood, shares his journey through the legal industry, working across London, Singapore and emerging markets over a 20+ year career.

From training at Herbert Smith to leading cross-border transactions across Asia, Tom explains how he built an international practice and why keeping an open mind early in your career is critical to long-term success. 

He discusses the realities of trainee life, choosing a practice area and why many junior lawyers struggle with the decision of what to specialise in. Tom also shares insights into working across jurisdictions, including his experience opening an office in Myanmar and advising on complex transactions in developing markets. 

The conversation explores how the role of a lawyer evolves over time—from technical legal work to becoming a commercial advisor, managing clients and building a book of business.

Tom also reflects on the changing culture of law firms, the importance of business development, and how AI is beginning to reshape the legal industry. 

Finally, he shares his Walk-to-Talk.com initiative, a global project focused on mental health and raising funds for dementia support. 

00:00 Introduction
00:30 Tom Platts’ Career Journey
03:00 Life as a Trainee Lawyer
07:00 Choosing a Practice Area
12:00 Moving to Singapore & International Work
18:00 Building a Career in Emerging Markets
25:00 Myanmar & Cross-Border Legal Work
32:00 Work Culture in Law Firms
38:00 Business Development & Making Partner
45:00 AI in the Legal Industry
52:00 Walk to Talk & Mental Health Initiative
58:00 Career Advice for Junior Lawyers

]]> Hugo Buzzsprout-18970080 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100 4189 1 6 full false Duncan Speller, Global Co-Chair of International Disputes at Duane Morris — On International Arbitration, Advocacy and Building a Global Practice Duncan Speller, Global Co-Chair of International Disputes at Duane Morris — On International Arbitration, Advocacy and Building a Global Practice In this episode, Duncan, Global Co-Chair of the International Disputes Group at Duane Morris, shares his journey from training as a barrister in London to building a global career across leading US law firms.

From his early days at the Bar to spending over two decades in private practice, Duncan explains why he transitioned into US firms and how that shaped his exposure to international work, advocacy and client relationships.

He discusses the key differences between barristers and solicitors, the evolution of legal practice and why owning the full lifecycle of a dispute can deliver better outcomes for clients.

The conversation explores international arbitration in depth — what it is, how it works in practice and why it has become a preferred method of resolving cross-border disputes. Duncan also breaks down how arbitration compares to litigation, including speed, enforceability and flexibility.

Duncan shares insights from building teams across multiple firms, including his recent move to Duane Morris and the opportunity to help shape a truly global disputes practice spanning London, the US and Asia.

The episode also covers major trends shaping the legal industry, including the rise of AI, legal tech and third-party funding — as well as the opportunities and risks these bring for lawyers at all levels.

Finally, Duncan reflects on career highlights, the importance of mentorship and authenticity in advocacy and offers practical advice for junior lawyers looking to succeed in international arbitration and beyond.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Duncan: Career Overview  
01:00 Why Become a Barrister  
03:00 Moving into US Law Firms  
05:00 Barrister vs Solicitor  
07:30 Early Career, Mentors & Client Exposure  
10:00 Becoming a Partner & Winning Work  
12:00 Moving Firms & Building Teams  
14:00 Joining Duane Morris & Global Strategy  
16:30 What is International Arbitration?  
20:00 How Arbitration Works (Rules, Tribunals, Clauses)  
25:00 Arbitration vs Litigation  
28:00 Life as an Advocate  
32:00 Trends: AI & Third-Party Funding  
35:00 London & English Law Globally  
38:00 AI in Practice & Legal Tech Tools  
45:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
48:00 The Vienna Moot  
51:00 Career Highlights  
58:00 Final Advice & Reflections  

]]> In this episode, Duncan, Global Co-Chair of the International Disputes Group at Duane Morris, shares his journey from training as a barrister in London to building a global career across leading US law firms.

From his early days at the Bar to spending over two decades in private practice, Duncan explains why he transitioned into US firms and how that shaped his exposure to international work, advocacy and client relationships.

He discusses the key differences between barristers and solicitors, the evolution of legal practice and why owning the full lifecycle of a dispute can deliver better outcomes for clients.

The conversation explores international arbitration in depth — what it is, how it works in practice and why it has become a preferred method of resolving cross-border disputes. Duncan also breaks down how arbitration compares to litigation, including speed, enforceability and flexibility.

Duncan shares insights from building teams across multiple firms, including his recent move to Duane Morris and the opportunity to help shape a truly global disputes practice spanning London, the US and Asia.

The episode also covers major trends shaping the legal industry, including the rise of AI, legal tech and third-party funding — as well as the opportunities and risks these bring for lawyers at all levels.

Finally, Duncan reflects on career highlights, the importance of mentorship and authenticity in advocacy and offers practical advice for junior lawyers looking to succeed in international arbitration and beyond.

00:00 Introduction  
00:20 Meet Duncan: Career Overview  
01:00 Why Become a Barrister  
03:00 Moving into US Law Firms  
05:00 Barrister vs Solicitor  
07:30 Early Career, Mentors & Client Exposure  
10:00 Becoming a Partner & Winning Work  
12:00 Moving Firms & Building Teams  
14:00 Joining Duane Morris & Global Strategy  
16:30 What is International Arbitration?  
20:00 How Arbitration Works (Rules, Tribunals, Clauses)  
25:00 Arbitration vs Litigation  
28:00 Life as an Advocate  
32:00 Trends: AI & Third-Party Funding  
35:00 London & English Law Globally  
38:00 AI in Practice & Legal Tech Tools  
45:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
48:00 The Vienna Moot  
51:00 Career Highlights  
58:00 Final Advice & Reflections  

]]> Buzzsprout-19026657 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0100 3588 1 5 full false Colin Gibson, ex-Head of Disputes at Fieldfisher — On Building a 28-Year Career at One Firm, Litigation and the Future of Law Colin Gibson, ex-Head of Disputes at Fieldfisher — On Building a 28-Year Career at One Firm, Litigation and the Future of Law In this episode, Colin Gibson, who until recently was Head of Disputes at Fieldfisher, shares his journey from joining the firm as a trainee in 1997 to becoming a board member and one of its most senior litigators.

Colin reflects on what it takes to build a long-term career within a single law firm — from embracing early opportunities and finding the right practice area, to navigating partnership and leadership responsibilities over nearly three decades.

He discusses the evolution of Fieldfisher from a 40-partner London firm to a global business and what young lawyers often misunderstand about progression, mentorship and developing a reputation internally.

The conversation explores life as a disputes lawyer, including commercial litigation, arbitration and high-stakes client work — as well as the mindset required to handle pressure, uncertainty and complex client relationships.

Colin also shares candid views on hybrid working, law firm culture and why being physically present in the office still matters for junior lawyers developing their careers.

The episode dives into the impact of AI on the legal profession, from document review and pricing models to the broader question of how law firms will adapt in the years ahead.

Finally, Colin offers practical advice for trainees and junior lawyers — including how to deal with uncertainty early in your career, the importance of enthusiasm and resilience as well as why learning to take criticism well is essential for long-term success.

00:00 Introduction
00:30 Meet Colin Gibson: Head of Disputes at Fieldfisher
02:00 Staying at One Firm for 30 Years
05:00 Training Contract and Early Career Experience
09:00 Mentorship and Learning as a Trainee
13:00 Choosing a Practice Area
17:00 Discovering Litigation and Arbitration
21:00 Early Responsibility and Client Exposure
25:00 How Law Firms Have Evolved
30:00 Becoming a Partner: What Changes?
34:00 Skills Needed to Succeed in Law
38:00 Life as a Commercial Litigator
42:00 Building a Client Base and Business Development
47:00 Law Firm Growth, Strategy and Mergers
52:00 Culture at Fieldfisher
56:00 AI and the Future of Law
01:01:00 Pricing, Efficiency and Changing Client Expectations
01:05:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers
01:08:00 Career Reflections and Looking Ahead

]]> In this episode, Colin Gibson, who until recently was Head of Disputes at Fieldfisher, shares his journey from joining the firm as a trainee in 1997 to becoming a board member and one of its most senior litigators.

Colin reflects on what it takes to build a long-term career within a single law firm — from embracing early opportunities and finding the right practice area, to navigating partnership and leadership responsibilities over nearly three decades.

He discusses the evolution of Fieldfisher from a 40-partner London firm to a global business and what young lawyers often misunderstand about progression, mentorship and developing a reputation internally.

The conversation explores life as a disputes lawyer, including commercial litigation, arbitration and high-stakes client work — as well as the mindset required to handle pressure, uncertainty and complex client relationships.

Colin also shares candid views on hybrid working, law firm culture and why being physically present in the office still matters for junior lawyers developing their careers.

The episode dives into the impact of AI on the legal profession, from document review and pricing models to the broader question of how law firms will adapt in the years ahead.

Finally, Colin offers practical advice for trainees and junior lawyers — including how to deal with uncertainty early in your career, the importance of enthusiasm and resilience as well as why learning to take criticism well is essential for long-term success.

00:00 Introduction
00:30 Meet Colin Gibson: Head of Disputes at Fieldfisher
02:00 Staying at One Firm for 30 Years
05:00 Training Contract and Early Career Experience
09:00 Mentorship and Learning as a Trainee
13:00 Choosing a Practice Area
17:00 Discovering Litigation and Arbitration
21:00 Early Responsibility and Client Exposure
25:00 How Law Firms Have Evolved
30:00 Becoming a Partner: What Changes?
34:00 Skills Needed to Succeed in Law
38:00 Life as a Commercial Litigator
42:00 Building a Client Base and Business Development
47:00 Law Firm Growth, Strategy and Mergers
52:00 Culture at Fieldfisher
56:00 AI and the Future of Law
01:01:00 Pricing, Efficiency and Changing Client Expectations
01:05:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers
01:08:00 Career Reflections and Looking Ahead

]]> Buzzsprout-19020121 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0100 4315 1 4 full false Adrianus Schoorl, Financial Services Regulatory Partner at DLA Piper — On Building Financial Centres, Big Law Globalisation and the Rise of Crypto Adrianus Schoorl, Financial Services Regulatory Partner at DLA Piper — On Building Financial Centres, Big Law Globalisation and the Rise of Crypto In this episode, Adrianus shares his journey from starting his legal career in the Netherlands to becoming a partner advising on financial services, fintech and crypto across the Middle East.  

From the early days of domestic law firms to the rise of global legal networks, Adrianus explains how the industry has evolved — and what it’s like to be part of building financial centres from scratch in places like Dubai.  

He discusses his experience as a regulator, working on market infrastructure such as Euronext and how globalisation has reshaped both legal practice and financial markets.  

The conversation also explores the rapid development of the Middle East as a financial hub, including its approach to regulation, virtual assets and innovation in areas like crypto and payments.  

Finally, Adrianus shares practical advice for junior lawyers on taking ownership of their careers, embracing hard work and navigating long-term professional growth.  

00:00 Introduction  
00:30 Adrianus’ Early Career and Why He Chose Law  
02:00 Training as a Lawyer in the Netherlands  
04:30 Life as a Trainee in the Early 2000s  
07:00 The Rise of Big Law in Europe  
10:00 Becoming a Financial Markets Lawyer  
12:00 Moving into Regulation and Euronext  
15:00 Why Adrianus Moved to Dubai  
18:00 Building a Financial Centre from Scratch  
21:00 Life and Work in Dubai  
25:00 Working Across the Middle East  
28:00 Differences in Clients and Markets  
32:00 The Growth of Financial Services in the Region  
35:00 Crypto, Virtual Assets and Regulation  
40:00 Market Confidence and the Role of Regulators  
45:00 How Financial Markets Are Evolving  
50:00 Working at DLA Piper in the Middle East  
53:00 What Makes a Successful Lawyer Today  
57:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
01:01:00 Career Reflections and Looking Ahead  

]]> In this episode, Adrianus shares his journey from starting his legal career in the Netherlands to becoming a partner advising on financial services, fintech and crypto across the Middle East.  

From the early days of domestic law firms to the rise of global legal networks, Adrianus explains how the industry has evolved — and what it’s like to be part of building financial centres from scratch in places like Dubai.  

He discusses his experience as a regulator, working on market infrastructure such as Euronext and how globalisation has reshaped both legal practice and financial markets.  

The conversation also explores the rapid development of the Middle East as a financial hub, including its approach to regulation, virtual assets and innovation in areas like crypto and payments.  

Finally, Adrianus shares practical advice for junior lawyers on taking ownership of their careers, embracing hard work and navigating long-term professional growth.  

00:00 Introduction  
00:30 Adrianus’ Early Career and Why He Chose Law  
02:00 Training as a Lawyer in the Netherlands  
04:30 Life as a Trainee in the Early 2000s  
07:00 The Rise of Big Law in Europe  
10:00 Becoming a Financial Markets Lawyer  
12:00 Moving into Regulation and Euronext  
15:00 Why Adrianus Moved to Dubai  
18:00 Building a Financial Centre from Scratch  
21:00 Life and Work in Dubai  
25:00 Working Across the Middle East  
28:00 Differences in Clients and Markets  
32:00 The Growth of Financial Services in the Region  
35:00 Crypto, Virtual Assets and Regulation  
40:00 Market Confidence and the Role of Regulators  
45:00 How Financial Markets Are Evolving  
50:00 Working at DLA Piper in the Middle East  
53:00 What Makes a Successful Lawyer Today  
57:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  
01:01:00 Career Reflections and Looking Ahead  

]]> Buzzsprout-18930307 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100 4007 1 3 full false Martin Dowdall, Financial Services Regulatory Partner at Taylor Wessing — On Life as a Junior Partner, FinTech and Building a Legal Practice Martin Dowdall, Financial Services Regulatory Partner at Taylor Wessing — On Life as a Junior Partner, FinTech and Building a Legal Practice In this episode, Martin Dowdall, a financial services regulatory partner at Taylor Wessing, shares his journey through the legal industry, specialising in payments, fintech, crypto and financial regulation.

From studying Russian at university to training at a Silver Circle firm and working across Magic Circle and US firms, Martin explains how he found his niche in financial services regulation and why non-law backgrounds can be a real advantage in the profession.

He discusses the differences between top-tier law firms, the rise of US firms in London and how the legal market has evolved over the past decade. Martin also shares insights into working with fast-growing fintech and crypto companies and how advising these clients differs from traditional financial institutions.

The conversation explores what clients actually value from lawyers, the importance of clear and practical advice and how reputation and network drive long-term success in private practice.

Martin also reflects on his first year as a partner — the challenges, responsibilities beyond legal work and the mindset shift required to succeed at that level.

Finally, he shares his perspective on AI in law, the future of crypto regulation and why experience, curiosity and strong communication skills remain critical in an evolving industry.

00:00 Introduction
00:20 Meet Martin Dowdall: FinTech & FS Regulatory Lawyer
01:00 From Russian Degree to Law
03:00 Discovering Financial Services Regulation
06:00 Magic Circle vs Silver Circle
08:30 Rise of US Law Firms in London
10:00 Skills Needed to Succeed in Law
12:00 Mentors and Career Development
18:30 Moving into Payments, FinTech and Crypto
20:00 First Year as a Partner
23:00 Winning Clients and Building a Network
26:00 What is Financial Services Regulation?
27:30 FinTech vs Traditional Banking Clients
33:00 Working with Crypto Founders
37:00 The Future of Crypto Regulation (UK & EU)
41:00 AI in the Legal Industry
47:00 Career Highlights
53:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers
59:00 What’s Next in FinTech and Regulation

]]> In this episode, Martin Dowdall, a financial services regulatory partner at Taylor Wessing, shares his journey through the legal industry, specialising in payments, fintech, crypto and financial regulation.

From studying Russian at university to training at a Silver Circle firm and working across Magic Circle and US firms, Martin explains how he found his niche in financial services regulation and why non-law backgrounds can be a real advantage in the profession.

He discusses the differences between top-tier law firms, the rise of US firms in London and how the legal market has evolved over the past decade. Martin also shares insights into working with fast-growing fintech and crypto companies and how advising these clients differs from traditional financial institutions.

The conversation explores what clients actually value from lawyers, the importance of clear and practical advice and how reputation and network drive long-term success in private practice.

Martin also reflects on his first year as a partner — the challenges, responsibilities beyond legal work and the mindset shift required to succeed at that level.

Finally, he shares his perspective on AI in law, the future of crypto regulation and why experience, curiosity and strong communication skills remain critical in an evolving industry.

00:00 Introduction
00:20 Meet Martin Dowdall: FinTech & FS Regulatory Lawyer
01:00 From Russian Degree to Law
03:00 Discovering Financial Services Regulation
06:00 Magic Circle vs Silver Circle
08:30 Rise of US Law Firms in London
10:00 Skills Needed to Succeed in Law
12:00 Mentors and Career Development
18:30 Moving into Payments, FinTech and Crypto
20:00 First Year as a Partner
23:00 Winning Clients and Building a Network
26:00 What is Financial Services Regulation?
27:30 FinTech vs Traditional Banking Clients
33:00 Working with Crypto Founders
37:00 The Future of Crypto Regulation (UK & EU)
41:00 AI in the Legal Industry
47:00 Career Highlights
53:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers
59:00 What’s Next in FinTech and Regulation

]]> Hugo Buzzsprout-18895931 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 3665 1 2 full false Peter Jackson, Former CEO of Hill Dickinson for Nearly 20 Years — On Growing Firm Revenue from £34m to £141.2m Peter Jackson, Former CEO of Hill Dickinson for Nearly 20 Years — On Growing Firm Revenue from £34m to £141.2m In this episode of the Legal Aura Podcast, Peter Jackson, former CEO of Hill Dickinson, shares his remarkable journey in the legal industry. 

From starting his career as a trainee in Liverpool to leading Hill Dickinson through exponential growth, Peter discusses his strategic decisions, the role of mentorship, cultural importance in mergers and the evolution of law firm operations. 

He also touches on personal challenges, such as almost leaving the firm early in his career and adapting to new media tools for modern legal practice. 

Finally, Peter reflects on his future post-CEO plans and the importance of adapting to change while maintaining core values.

00:00 Introduction to the Legal Aura Podcast
00:20 Meet Peter Jackson: Leading Hil Dickinson
01:02 Peter Jackson's Early Life and Education
11:48 Navigating Law School and Early Career Challenges
16:56 The Evolution of Law Firm Culture
18:42 Training and Mentorship in the Legal Profession
31:55 Acquisitions and Mergers: Growing Hil Dickinson
41:48 Investing in Business and Workforce
42:05 Evaluating Lateral Hires and Acquisitions
42:58 Challenges in Client Retention
43:31 Due Diligence and Client Feedback
47:32 Cultural Fit and Values in Hiring
48:52 Personal Career Reflections
52:09 Leadership and Mentorship
01:00:00 Media and Personal Branding for Lawyers
01:14:06 Summary and Future Plans

]]> In this episode of the Legal Aura Podcast, Peter Jackson, former CEO of Hill Dickinson, shares his remarkable journey in the legal industry. 

From starting his career as a trainee in Liverpool to leading Hill Dickinson through exponential growth, Peter discusses his strategic decisions, the role of mentorship, cultural importance in mergers and the evolution of law firm operations. 

He also touches on personal challenges, such as almost leaving the firm early in his career and adapting to new media tools for modern legal practice. 

Finally, Peter reflects on his future post-CEO plans and the importance of adapting to change while maintaining core values.

00:00 Introduction to the Legal Aura Podcast
00:20 Meet Peter Jackson: Leading Hil Dickinson
01:02 Peter Jackson's Early Life and Education
11:48 Navigating Law School and Early Career Challenges
16:56 The Evolution of Law Firm Culture
18:42 Training and Mentorship in the Legal Profession
31:55 Acquisitions and Mergers: Growing Hil Dickinson
41:48 Investing in Business and Workforce
42:05 Evaluating Lateral Hires and Acquisitions
42:58 Challenges in Client Retention
43:31 Due Diligence and Client Feedback
47:32 Cultural Fit and Values in Hiring
48:52 Personal Career Reflections
52:09 Leadership and Mentorship
01:00:00 Media and Personal Branding for Lawyers
01:14:06 Summary and Future Plans

]]> Hugo Buzzsprout-18281707 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000 4937 1 1 full false