Our October newsletter reflects on IBA Copenhagen, the launch of our white paper Human in the Loop, new additions to our international team and dates for your diary, including our Legal 500 roundtable and the Legal 5K.
The power of relationships: Copenhagen, Human in the Loop and a growing international team
One of my favourite things about the IBA is bringing people together. Copenhagen was full of those moments: introducing clients, reconnecting with old friends and having conversations that open up new possibilities across borders.
James Hayhurst, Linsay Leslie and I also launched our latest white paper, Human in the Loop, and hosted a roundtable with international law firm leaders. For all the discussion about AI, I came home convinced that our ability to build relationships remains our greatest strength.
That belief is shaping our own international growth, too. We’ve welcomed Helen Scott as International PR Director, alongside Nigel Clark and Gary Assim, whose experience and connections are already adding so much to our work. And there are plenty more announcements to come – I’m looking forward to sharing them with you.
Copenhagen in review
What keeps lawyers indispensable?
What makes lawyers indispensable in the age of AI? Human in the Loop: The lawyer as trusted adviser in the age of AI draws on research and interviews with legal leaders worldwide. 93% say human skills are becoming more critical, 79% say clients scrutinise advisers’ ethics and reputation more closely, and 57% report declining client loyalty.
Culture came up throughout the paper, and Peloton’s GC, Chris Macfarlane, says he looks for firms that treat associates well and help them thrive.
Thank you to all our contributors, especially Anna Dąbrowska, Managing Partner of Wolf Theiss London, and Matt Meyer, Managing Partner of Kingsley Napley, for their foreword and afterword. I am delighted to see the findings featured in the Global Legal Post.
International conversations in Copenhagen
Our International Growth & Business Development roundtable, co-hosted with Gorrissen Federspiel, brought together managing partners and senior leaders from Europe, the Middle East, the US and the UK.
The openness of the discussion made it particularly valuable: how do firms turn international connections into lasting relationships and, ultimately, new business?
Read CMO James Hayhurst’s key takeaways here.
AI and wellbeing
I also joined an IBA Law Firm Management Committee panel on AI and wellbeing. My friend David O’Donnell shared an idea I’ve brought home: the “power hour” – making time each day to challenge your mind, recharge or do something for yourself.
Growing our international team
I’m excited about the people joining us and what their experience means for our clients.
Helen Scott, International PR Director
Helen Scott, our new International PR Director, brings extensive PR expertise advising leading US and international law firms and major London practices. She trained as a solicitor before moving into legal PR, including an in-house role at DLA Piper working across EMEA and Asia-Pacific. With particular expertise in disputes, litigation and arbitration, she builds the profiles of firms and partners across national, business and legal media.
Nigel Clark, Senior Adviser and Chair of our International Advisory Board
Nigel Clark joins as senior adviser and chair of our International Advisory Board, helping firms turn international ambition into a practical growth strategy. His career spans MinterEllison, Peregrine Law and Nexa, alongside board roles across seven jurisdictions.
Gary Assim, Senior Adviser and board member
Gary Assim joins as Senior Adviser and board member, bringing experience as a Shoosmiths IP partner and former World Services Group chair, with a deep understanding of international business development and referral relationships.
Dates for your diary
Legal 500: a relationship lesson
One question kept coming up in Copenhagen: had Legal 500 really published negative client feedback?
For me, the more useful question is why a firm might not already know that a client or referee is unhappy – particularly when those relationships underpin its reputation and referrals internationally.
On 3 December, Linsay Leslie and Sarah Bridgman will bring together leading UK and international firms to discuss client feedback, referee relationships and the wider value of submissions. Places are limited, so please get in touch to find out more.
Legal 5K: join us in April
Away from conference rooms, our Legal 5K offers another way to bring the legal community together.
We’ll be back in Regent’s Park in April 2027, raising funds for special needs charity Skylarks – a cause close to my heart. More than 800 runners joined us this year. Whether you’re chasing a time or enjoying a run with colleagues and friends, we’d love to see you.
Registration opens in January. Contact us to register your interest.
Creating the next generation of rainmakers
Developing the next generation of rainmakers means giving lawyers the confidence, skills and support to turn connections into lasting client relationships. Culture matters: people need opportunities to build their networks, learn from colleagues and develop their own approach to winning work.
That’s the thinking behind our MD Communications x Magic Sauce Business Development Programme, led by CMO James Hayhurst. Drawing on his advertising and Unilever experience, it helps firms build a culture where developing relationships is a shared responsibility, with practical skills lawyers can use at home and internationally.
If you’d like to know more, get in touch with Nick Pollard.
