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 Introduction00:30 Meet Colin Gibson: Head of Disputes at Fieldfisher02:00 Staying at One Firm for 30 Years05:00 Training Contract and Early Career Experience09:00 Mentorship and Learning as a Trainee13:00 Choosing a Practice Area17:00 Discovering Litigation and Arbitration21:00 Early Responsibility and Client Exposure25:00 How Law Firms Have Evolved30:00 Becoming a Partner: What Changes?34:00 Skills Needed to Succeed in Law38:00 Life as a Commercial Litigator42:00 Building a Client Base and Business Development47:00 Law Firm Growth, Strategy and Mergers52:00 Culture at Fieldfisher56:00 AI and the Future of Law01:01:00 Pricing, Efficiency and Changing Client Expectations01:05:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers01:08:00 Career Reflections and Looking Ahead