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 Introduction00:30 Tom Platts’ Career Journey03:00 Life as a Trainee Lawyer07:00 Choosing a Practice Area12:00 Moving to Singapore & International Work18:00 Building a Career in Emerging Markets25:00 Myanmar & Cross-Border Legal Work32:00 Work Culture in Law Firms38:00 Business Development & Making Partner45:00 AI in the Legal Industry52:00 Walk to Talk & Mental Health Initiative58:00 Career Advice for Junior Lawyers