Spotlight Interviews presented by RedLaw Recruitment

With investor interest in the legal sector accelerating, private capital is becoming an increasingly important topic for law firm leaders.In this Spotlight conversation, Jonathan Benjamin sits down with David Morley, former Managing Partner and Executive Chairman of Allen & Overy, to explore what private capital investment could mean for law firms. David co-founded Dejonghe & Morley, , a strategic advisory business for law firms and investors, alongside Wim Dejonghe, former Global Senior Partner of Allen & Overy and the architect of the landmark A&O Shearman merger, one of the most significant and complex law firm combinations in recent history. While the conversation explores the growing role of private capital, including how it can help “turbocharge” firm performance and reshape traditional partnership models. It also reflects the broader Spotlight theme of leadership. David shares his experience of leading Allen & Overy, his genuine passion for the role and the people within the business, and the influence of his early mentor in shaping both his leadership style and long-term vision for the profession. The discussion also looks ahead to the future of law firms and why those that embrace change, invest in talent and evolve into more multidisciplinary businesses are likely to be the ones that succeed in an increasingly competitive market. For Managing Partners and leadership teams considering growth, strategy and long-term positioning, this is a conversation very much worth having.

David Quli's path to Managing Partner has been anything but predictable. After 19 years at Wiggin, he shares the philosophy that's guided him: follow what interests you, build genuine relationships, and seize opportunity when it arrives.Episode SummaryDavid reflects on his journey from trainee to leading one of the UK's most distinctive specialist firms, alongside its Senior Partner. He discusses the reality of stepping into the Managing Partner role during a period of industry change, the adjustment from transactional work with clear milestones to more unpredictable demands, and why accepting what you can't control has been a key leadership lesson.The conversation covers Wiggin's recent high-profile work – including The Guardian's landmark long-running libel trial – and the firm's growth strategy across corporate, litigation and sports. David shares how Wiggin's entrepreneurial culture led to the development of a brand protection business built by a partner, which gained private equity backing and was ultimately sold, and explains how that spirit continues.Key TakeawaysRelationships are everything. Build networks early and nurture them connections made as a junior still matter decades later.Follow your interests, and opportunities as they arise. David moved into film finance because it genuinely interested him. The opportunities followed.Leadership means accepting uncertainty. Unlike transactions with clear endpoints, firm leadership doesn’t always offer such distinct milestones.Culture retains people. Events like Wigstock, the firm’s bi-annual festival, and Wiggin’s Charitable Foundation aren't extras they are key to what makes Wiggin different.About the GuestDavid Quli is Managing Partner of Wiggin LLP, the specialist media, entertainment, technology and IP firm. He took up the role in October 2024 after 18 years at the firm, most recently as Head of Film & Television. David is recognised as one of the UK's foremost media finance lawyers, listed in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame and ranked Band 1 by Chambers.Subscribe to SpotlightSpotlight brings you conversations with the leaders shaping the UK legal sector. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

When Nick Davis joined US firm Haynes Boone as London Co-Managing Partner in early 2025, he brought with him 25 years of experience building one of London's most respected boutique corporate practices. Within months, he'd helped deliver a landmark transaction: the first simultaneous London-New York dual listing since the mid-1990s.In this episode, Nick discusses what drew him to a Texan law firm, how he's driving the London office's growth, and why the next generation of lawyers might not need a Cambridge degree to make partner.Episode SummaryNick Davis spent 24 years at Memery Crystal, ultimately serving as CEO and helping guide the firm through its merger with Rosenblatt. His move to Haynes Boone—only his third firm in a 30-year career—was driven by the opportunity to plug into a genuinely global platform while preserving the collaborative, entrepreneurial culture he'd always valued.The conversation explores what makes Haynes Boone's Texan partnership model distinctive in a London market saturated with US firms. Nick describes a culture of "proper partners" where originations aren't measured and sharing is actively rewarded—a stark contrast to the siloed structures he's observed elsewhere. With the London office approaching 80 people and the firm recently opening its 20th office in Boston, the ambition is clear.The standout case study is Fermi, an off-grid energy company powering AI data centres in Texas. Founded in January and valued at $12 billion by October, Fermi became a proof-of-concept for Haynes Boone's cross-border capabilities. Nick's team delivered the London listing in a quarter of the usual timeframe, with the CEO opening the New York market one evening and flying overnight to ring the bell in London the following morning.Nick also discusses leadership in the hybrid working era. His philosophy centres on leading by example, empowering people to manage their own time, and ensuring that high-pressure deals are followed by genuine recovery time. On diversity, he's candid about being the first in his family to attend university and explains why the firm's partnership with the Sutton Trust matters: giving opportunities to people who wouldn't otherwise have access to City careers.Key TakeawaysCulture as differentiator: Haynes Boone operates as a single global partnership without separate profit centres, rewarding collaboration over individual origination a model Nick believes is increasingly rare in the City.London as gateway: The firm uses its London office as the hub for Middle East, African, and international work, with seamless integration into US capital markets capabilities.Regulatory tailwinds: Recent reforms to London's capital markets regulations enabled the Fermi dual listing—a deal Nick says would have been impossible three years ago.Leadership philosophy: Lead by example, surround yourself with people smarter than you, and treat partners like adults who can manage their own time.Social mobility focus: Through partnerships with the Sutton Trust and internal Future Leaders programmes, the firm actively recruits lawyers who don't fit the traditional Oxbridge-to-City mould.About the GuestNick Davis is a Partner and London Office Co-Managing Partner at Haynes Boone. With over 25 years' experience in corporate finance, he specialises in flotations, equity capital markets, and public M&A across the natural resources, technology, life sciences, and healthcare sectors. Nick is the only practising lawyer on the AIM advisory group and is recognised by Chambers UK and Legal 500 as a leader in Capital Markets and Energy & Natural Resources. Before joining Haynes Boone in 2025, he spent 24 years at Memery Crystal, latterly as CEO.Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nick-davis-12471513Subscribe to the Spotlight SeriesDon't miss future episodes featuring senior leaders from the UK legal sector. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow Redlaw for updates.

What does it take to lead a global offshore law firm? And how does a self-described "solid seven out of ten" lawyer become one of the most engaging voices in legal leadership?In this episode, we sit down with William Peake, Global Managing Partner of Harneys, to explore his unconventional path to the top. William discovered his real strengths weren't in technical legal work but in communication and people management. His leadership philosophy is refreshingly simple: senior leaders exist to make decisions, remove complexity, and ensure the buck stops with them, not their anxious associates.We discuss how he developed his management style by doing the opposite of managers he didn't respect, why he takes a 15-minute walk when his inbox explodes with urgent matters, and how authenticity has made him LinkedIn's "legal king." William also shares Harneys' strategic focus on stability and growth, with new offices opening in Jersey and expansion planned in the Middle East.This is a conversation about finding your voice, trusting your instincts, and leading with humanity in an industry that often lacks it.

Paul Marco is the Managing Partner at Trowers & Hamlins where he's been for over 15 years. Starting out in property litigation, he’s since moved into firm-wide leadership, championing culture, innovation, and international growth. In this episode, he shares what’s kept him motivated, how he leads through change, and what he’d tell his younger self walking through the door today. Key Takeaways: The staying power of great work“High-profile clients and stimulating work” are what first drew Paul in but it's the people and the culture that kept him here for over 15 years.Leadership grounded in humanityPaul breaks down his style as “authentic, collaborative, and accountable,” with a firm-wide value of being “not afraid to be human.” Why global cohesion is a daily discipline. With six international offices and growing, Paul explains how they stay culturally connected and strategically aligned. Innovation meets legacy. The firm is over 240 years old, but remains agile and forward-looking combining a kite mark of trust with new practice lines and jurisdictions. What really keeps him up at night. It’s not internal politics it’s macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical shifts, and the responsibility of safeguarding the firm’s future. Mentorship and curiosity as a career edge Paul shares why being open to learning and showing curiosity about clients’ businesses has been core to his own growth and his advice to others. If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or leader who’s navigating growth and change and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations like this.

Robert Weekes is the UK Managing Partner at Crowell & Moring.With decades of experience as a litigator and leader, he’s helped shape the firm’s London presence and integrate its culture across 13 international offices.From managing through crisis to building teams that last, Robert’s leadership style blends emotional intelligence with commercial sharpness.Key Takeaways:Retention through vision: How clarity, teamwork, and communication reduce churn and keep teams aligned.Global integration: Why Crowell treats the US like a key client and how that mindset builds cross-border trust.The duck story (yes, really): How a rubber duck became a powerful symbol of taking the work seriously not yourself.AI vs human input: Robert’s take on where legal tech helps and where human judgment is irreplaceable.People-first policies: Why flexibility isn’t just about hybrid days, but understanding how individuals thrive.Early lessons: How mentorship, crisis, and commercial thinking shaped Robert’s leadership today.If you’re leading teams, scaling culture, or navigating complex growth this one’s for you.

In this spotlight interview, Alex Ktorides shares his career journey from a law trainee to the Head of Risk and Compliance at Bristows.He discusses the transition from traditional legal roles to risk and compliance, the challenges of building a new function within a law firm, and the importance of adapting to the evolving landscape of legal compliance. Alex also offers valuable advice for those looking to enter the field, emphasizing the rewarding nature of the role and the significance of networking within the compliance community.

We’re excited to welcome James Libson, the Managing Partner at Mishcon de Reya to the Spotlight Series in this episode. Throughout the conversation, James shared his vision for Mishcon’s future, including the development of their culture and strategy. He also touched on the lessons he’s learned from a high-profile career in the legal sector, and why he’s keen to focus on practising law full time following his tenure as Managing Partner.

In this episode of the Spotlight series, we’re delighted to highlight Siobhan Jones, a Partner and leader of the Property Disputes team at Farrer & Co. During the interview, Siobhan shares her career story and the way that other women in law have helped to shape its path. She highlights the importance of having visible role models in senior leadership teams, and urges for more gender equality within the law sector.

For our latest Spotlight podcast, we’re pleased to feature Jinal Shah, London Office Managing Partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP).Jinal reflects on his career journey, thoughts on mentoring and supporting the next generation of legal professionals, his involvement with the South Asians in Law Network and the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.

Join us in our first Spotlight podcast to mark our 15th anniversary.RedLaw Director, Jonathan Benjamin, speaks to Fladgate's Managing Partner, Grant Gordon, about leadership, learning, the legal market, whether AI will replace lawyers and more.