The Non-Billable Podcast

Non-Billable

The Non-Billable Podcast takes UK legal professionals beyond the billable hour, bringing you interviews with top lawyers, law firm leaders, industry experts and legal tech innovators to uncover actionable insights on the business of law, career growth and the future of the industry. Hosted by Oliver Attinger, a former finance lawyer at a leading City law firm, and brought to you by Non-Billable, the legal media platform for City lawyers, in-house counsel, and legal professionals.

  1. Aug 5

    How David Beech built Knights into a £200m law firm

    David Beech, CEO of listed law firm Knights, joins the podcast to discuss how he has built one of the UK's largest regional legal businesses since buying the firm in 2012. He explains why Knights has prioritised people and cash over traditional law firm metrics, how the business has grown through almost 30 acquisitions, and why he believes law firms should separate ownership from management. David also shares the thinking behind Knights' distinctive strategy. He discusses why the firm has no fee targets, why it manages through regional leadership rather than practice groups, and why culture is the first consideration when assessing acquisitions. The conversation explores external investment in law firms, drawing on David's experience of private equity backing and taking Knights public in 2018. He reflects on what it is like running a listed law firm, why he believes corporatisation is the long-term direction of the legal industry, and why minority investment may prove a more natural model for traditional partnerships than outright buyouts. Chapters 00:01 Introduction 00:50 Building Knights into the UK's largest regional legal business 05:47 Why people and cash matter more than fee targets 15:44 Rainmakers, culture and leading a collaborative law firm 21:34 Why Knights has no ambition to open in London 24:03 The acquisition playbook behind nearly 30 deals 33:58 Lessons from private equity and taking Knights public 38:42 Why more law firms won't follow Knights onto the stock market 42:44 The future of external capital in the legal industry About Non-Billable Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech. Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

    How David Beech built Knights into a £200m law firm

  2. Jul 28

    Inside Mayer Brown’s London private capital push

    Dom Griffiths, London managing partner of Mayer Brown, joins the podcast to discuss the strategy behind one of the firm's strongest years in London. He explains why Mayer Brown has invested so heavily in private capital, how targeted lateral hiring is reshaping the practice and where he believes the firm can differentiate in an increasingly competitive transatlantic market. Dom also reflects on more than two decades at Mayer Brown, his journey from structured finance partner to London managing partner, and what he's learned about leading a large international partnership. He shares why consensus-building matters, how he approaches recruitment and why culture and client relationships remain at the heart of sustainable growth. The conversation also explores the changing shape of the legal market, from AI and private capital to transatlantic competition and law firm mergers. Dom explains why he believes technology will enhance, rather than replace, trusted advisers, and shares his views on what will separate the most successful firms over the next decade Chapters 00:01 Introduction 00:59 From structured finance partner to London managing partner 05:18 Mayer Brown's place in the global legal market 11:53 Building a private capital powerhouse in London 18:46 The firm's approach to lateral hiring and growth 22:11 Leading a global law firm partnership 30:21 Transatlantic mergers and Mayer Brown's strategy 33:21 AI, private capital and the future of Big Law About Non-Billable Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech. Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

    Inside Mayer Brown’s London private capital push

  3. Jul 22

    Richard Medd on Browne Jacobson’s growth strategy

    Richard Medd, managing partner of Browne Jacobson, joins the podcast to discuss how the firm has doubled revenue over the past six years - revenue for the most recent financial year came in at a record £149m - and the strategy behind its recent growth. He explains why Browne Jacobson has invested heavily across its UK and Ireland network, the thinking behind its expanding London presence, and why he believes firms can be both ambitious and culture-driven. The conversation explores the firm's approach to lateral hiring, its growing private equity, technology and real estate practices, and why Medd sees London as an increasingly important part of the firm's long-term strategy rather than simply a shop window for clients. He also discusses Browne Jacobson's expansion into Ireland and how the firm thinks about international growth. We also discuss AI and legal technology, including the firm's rollout of Legora, how AI is changing the delivery of legal services, and why judgment and commercial context will remain critical skills for lawyers. Finally, Medd shares his views on external investment in law firms, why private capital is unlikely to transform the upper end of the UK legal market overnight, and what the next phase of growth looks like for Browne Jacobson. Chapters 00:01 Introduction 00:40 Richard Medd's journey to managing Browne Jacobson 01:26 The strategy behind Browne Jacobson's rapid growth 06:33 Why London has become central to the firm's ambitions 15:01 Expanding into Ireland and what's next for the firm 18:55 Rolling out AI across Browne Jacobson 21:43 How AI will change legal services and lawyer training 24:59 External investment and private capital in law firms 28:13 Will a top UK law firm take external capital? About Non-Billable Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech. Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

    Richard Medd on Browne Jacobson’s growth strategy

  4. Jul 14

    What Microsoft expects from its law firms in the AI era

    Rebecca Anderson, Microsoft's head of legal for EMEA, joins the podcast to discuss how the in-house function at one of the world's biggest tech companies is adapting to the AI era. She explains why Microsoft has overhauled its legal operating model, how AI is changing the role of lawyers, and why the function is increasingly becoming a strategic partner to the business rather than simply a legal adviser. The conversation explores how Microsoft is deploying AI across its own legal department, from AI-powered legal triage to contract drafting and decision-making tools. Anderson also shares how the company thinks about legal tech, why the operating model matters as much as the tools themselves, and how Microsoft's lawyers are using AI to move away from repetitive work towards higher-value strategic advice. We also discuss what Microsoft now expects from its external law firms in the age of AI, why AI fluency has become a baseline requirement, and how firms can differentiate themselves beyond simply adopting new technology. Finally, Anderson shares her thoughts on the future of the profession, the new legal roles emerging alongside AI, and the skills lawyers will need to thrive over the next decade. Chapters 00:01 Introduction 00:45 From private practice to leading Microsoft's EMEA legal team 03:55 Rebuilding Microsoft's legal operating model for the AI era 09:40 How Microsoft is using AI inside its own legal department 18:00 Microsoft's legal tech strategy and the future of contract review 19:40 What Microsoft now expects from its external law firms 29:30 The changing role of the in-house lawyer 35:25 What Microsoft looks for when hiring lawyers 36:30 The future of legal work in the age of AI About Non-Billable Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech. Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

    What Microsoft expects from its law firms in the AI era

  5. Jun 30

    Sidley executive committee chair Brian Fahrney on London, talent and the global elite

    Brian Fahrney, chair of Sidley Austin's executive committee, joins the podcast to discuss the firm's transformation into one of the fastest-growing US law firms in London. He explains why Sidley spent years investing in private equity, how the strategy reshaped its London office, and why the firm remains bullish on the London market. The conversation explores the growing importance of the "NYLON corridor", why US clients increasingly expect seamless transatlantic legal advice, and how Sidley thinks about growth, lateral hiring and building market-leading practices on both sides of the Atlantic. We also discuss AI, law firm culture and leadership, as well as why Fahrney believes the legal industry is consolidating into a smaller group of global firms with the scale to invest in talent, technology and client service. Finally, Fahrney shares his outlook for the next decade of Big Law and explains what he believes will separate the industry's winners from the rest. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Legora. To find out more about Legora, visit: https://legora.com/ Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:20 Sidley's growth story and Brian's path to executive committee chair 04:46 Running a global law firm 07:00 Why talent is critical to Sidley’s strategy 11:56 How Sidley’s London office became a private capital platform 15:46 The deliberate push into private equity 17:49 Why the NYLON corridor matters 24:16 Big Law consolidation and the firms pulling away 29:08 Partnership structures, talent development and future leaders About Non-Billable Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech. Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

    Sidley executive committee chair Brian Fahrney on London, talent and the global elite

  6. Jun 24

    BCLP senior partner Segun Osuntokun on growth, mergers and weekend emails

    Segun Osuntokun, senior partner at BCLP, joins the podcast to discuss leadership, firm strategy and what it takes to run a global law firm while continuing to practise as a partner. Having held senior leadership roles at the firm for more than seven years, he reflects on BCLP's recent return to growth and the long-term strategy behind it. The conversation explores the lessons learned from the merger between Berwin Leighton Paisner and Bryan Cave, why Osuntokun believes successful integrations must start with clients rather than firm economics, and his views on the current wave of transatlantic law firm combinations reshaping the market. We also discuss mental health, sustainable leadership and the demands of modern legal practice. Osuntokun shares his perspective on resilience, the importance of wellbeing in a people business, and the comments that sparked debate across the profession about sending non-urgent emails at weekends. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Legora. To find out more about Legora, visit: https://legora.com/ Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:36 From Nigeria to City law and becoming BCLP senior partner 04:26 BCLP's return to growth and the strategy behind it 07:35 How BCLP positions itself in the transatlantic legal market 09:12 Lessons from the Bryan Cave and BLP merger 13:34 US versus UK law firm culture: more similar than different? 15:47 Life as senior partner and balancing leadership with client work 18:19 Weekend emails, mental health and sustainable leadership 24:01 The future of Big Law, scale and BCLP's growth plans About Non-Billable Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech. Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

    BCLP senior partner Segun Osuntokun on growth, mergers and weekend emails

  7. Jun 16

    Private equity and the future of law firms | Podcast special

    Private equity investment in law firms has become one of the most talked-about trends in the legal industry. But how much is actually happening? Why are investors interested in legal services, and what does outside capital mean for the traditional partnership model? In this special edition of the podcast, Oliver is joined by Patrick Savage (Burford Capital), Peter Jackson (former managing partner of Hill Dickinson), Adil Taha (legal industry consultant), and Oscar Dean (Grant Thornton) for a candid discussion about the future of law firm ownership. The panel explores why legal has become attractive to investors, whether private equity activity has slowed in recent months, what makes a law firm investable, and how external capital can be used to fund growth, technology and talent. They also discuss consolidation, succession planning, the differences between legal and other professional services sectors, and why some investors are becoming more selective about the firms they back. Finally, the conversation turns to the biggest unanswered question in the market: exits. The panel debates whether private equity-backed law firms can deliver the returns investors need, who the eventual buyers might be, and whether outside capital will become a normal feature of the UK legal market over the next decade. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Legora. To find out more about Legora, visit: https://legora.com/ Today’s episode is also supported by Definely. To find out more about Definely, visit: https://www.definely.com/nonbillable Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:30 Introductions & setting the scene 04:40 Why investors are bullish on legal services 12:55 Why legal is different from accounting and other professional services 22:30 Has the private equity boom in law firms stalled? 27:30 Why law firms seek outside capital, and what changes afterwards 42:40 Talent, AI and the future law firm business model 53:50 The exit problem: IPOs, secondary sales and investor returns 1:03:50 Advice for law firm leaders and predictions for the future About Non-Billable Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech. Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

    Private equity and the future of law firms | Podcast special

  8. Jun 10

    The business of international arbitration with Boies Schiller’s Tim Foden

    Tim Foden is co-head of the international arbitration group at Boies Schiller Flexner in London. In this episode, he joins the podcast to discuss his path into arbitration, his time at Allen & Overy and Quinn Emanuel, and why he believes specialist disputes firms offer something fundamentally different to full-service law firms. The conversation explores the business of international arbitration, from commercial disputes between companies to high-stakes claims brought by investors against states. Tim explains how investment treaty arbitration works in practice, why resource nationalism continues to drive disputes around the world, and what it is like handling cases involving governments, mining projects and politically sensitive assets. Tim also shares his perspective on litigation funding, pushing back on the idea that funders encourage weak claims. He explains how funding has become a critical tool for many claimants, how funded cases are assessed, and why the UK Supreme Court’s PACCAR decision has had less impact on his practice than many predicted. Finally, we discuss London's position as a global disputes hub, the outlook for arbitration and collective actions, and Boies Schiller Flexner's growth plans in the UK as the firm continues to expand its London disputes practice. The Non-Billable Podcast is sponsored by Legora. To find out more about Legora, visit: https://legora.com/ Today’s episode is also supported by Definely. To find out more about Definely, visit: https://www.definely.com/nonbillable Chapters 00:01 Introduction 01:34 From courtroom dramas to international arbitration 03:10 Allen & Overy, Quinn Emanuel and life at a disputes boutique 05:06 Why specialist disputes firms think differently 10:48 Joining Boies Schiller and rebuilding the London office 16:16 The business of international arbitration and investor-state disputes 22:30 Litigation funding, PACCAR and access to justice 30:59 Why London remains the world's leading disputes hub 33:55 The future of disputes and Boies Schiller's growth plans in London About Non-Billable Non-Billable is the media company for modern legal professionals across private practice, in-house and legal tech. Visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.nonbillable.co.uk

    The business of international arbitration with Boies Schiller’s Tim Foden
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About

The Non-Billable Podcast takes UK legal professionals beyond the billable hour, bringing you interviews with top lawyers, law firm leaders, industry experts and legal tech innovators to uncover actionable insights on the business of law, career growth and the future of the industry. Hosted by Oliver Attinger, a former finance lawyer at a leading City law firm, and brought to you by Non-Billable, the legal media platform for City lawyers, in-house counsel, and legal professionals.

Information

  • Creator
    Non-Billable
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Non-Billable
  • Show Website
    The Non-Billable Podcast

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