Lawsy Originals

In this episode, David Savage, Head of Construction at Charles Russell Speechlys, shares his journey from construction chambers to building and leading a top-tier construction practice within an international law firm.From working at Shell before university to training at one of London’s leading construction chambers, David explains how early exposure to business and industry shaped his approach to law and client relationships.He reflects on his transition into private practice, including the realities of pupillage, competition for tenancy and the decision to move into a fast-growing law firm environment.David shares insights from his time helping to scale a construction team and what it takes to build, lead and grow high-performing legal teams.The conversation explores his move to Charles Russell Speechlys, where he effectively built a construction team from scratch, navigating the challenges of starting without an existing client base and developing a practice through entrepreneurial thinking and business development.David also discusses law firm mergers, including the strategic, cultural and operational considerations behind combining firms and scaling internationally.The episode covers the evolving role of AI in legal practice, how firms are training lawyers in prompt engineering and why the human elements of law — trust, judgement and client relationships — remain critical.David shares practical insights into construction law, including how lawyers balance black letter law with commercial realities and why understanding the business context is essential to delivering value to clients.The conversation also dives into personal branding, LinkedIn and modern business development — including why authentic content can outperform traditional law firm marketing.Finally, David offers advice for junior lawyers on developing commercial awareness, embracing AI, building relationships and taking advantage of opportunities both online and in person.00:00 Introduction  00:20 Meet David Savage: Career Overview  01:00 Working Before University & Early Experience  04:30 Life at the Construction Bar  08:00 Moving from Chambers to Law Firms  10:00 Building a High-Growth Construction Team  12:00 Learning from Entrepreneurial Partners  14:00 Business Development & Building a Network  16:00 Moving to Charles Russell Speechlys  19:00 Building a Team from Scratch  21:00 Growth, Leadership and Scaling a Practice  23:00 Law Firm Mergers: Strategy and Challenges  27:00 AI in Law and Legal Tech Adoption  30:00 Training Lawyers in Prompt Engineering  33:00 The Impact of AI on Legal Careers  37:00 Overview of Charles Russell Speechlys  41:00 What Construction Lawyers Actually Do  45:00 Commercial Awareness vs Black Letter Law  48:00 Business Development and Personal Branding  52:00 LinkedIn, Authenticity and Building a Brand  56:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  01:00:00 Career Reflections and What’s Next  

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

In this episode, Duncan, Global Co-Chair of the International Disputes Group at Duane Morris, shares his journey from training as a barrister in London to building a global career across leading US law firms.From his early days at the Bar to spending over two decades in private practice, Duncan explains why he transitioned into US firms and how that shaped his exposure to international work, advocacy and client relationships.He discusses the key differences between barristers and solicitors, the evolution of legal practice and why owning the full lifecycle of a dispute can deliver better outcomes for clients.The conversation explores international arbitration in depth — what it is, how it works in practice and why it has become a preferred method of resolving cross-border disputes. Duncan also breaks down how arbitration compares to litigation, including speed, enforceability and flexibility.Duncan shares insights from building teams across multiple firms, including his recent move to Duane Morris and the opportunity to help shape a truly global disputes practice spanning London, the US and Asia.The episode also covers major trends shaping the legal industry, including the rise of AI, legal tech and third-party funding — as well as the opportunities and risks these bring for lawyers at all levels.Finally, Duncan reflects on career highlights, the importance of mentorship and authenticity in advocacy and offers practical advice for junior lawyers looking to succeed in international arbitration and beyond.00:00 Introduction  00:20 Meet Duncan: Career Overview  01:00 Why Become a Barrister  03:00 Moving into US Law Firms  05:00 Barrister vs Solicitor  07:30 Early Career, Mentors & Client Exposure  10:00 Becoming a Partner & Winning Work  12:00 Moving Firms & Building Teams  14:00 Joining Duane Morris & Global Strategy  16:30 What is International Arbitration?  20:00 How Arbitration Works (Rules, Tribunals, Clauses)  25:00 Arbitration vs Litigation  28:00 Life as an Advocate  32:00 Trends: AI & Third-Party Funding  35:00 London & English Law Globally  38:00 AI in Practice & Legal Tech Tools  45:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  48:00 The Vienna Moot  51:00 Career Highlights  58:00 Final Advice & Reflections  

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

In this episode, Adrianus shares his journey from starting his legal career in the Netherlands to becoming a partner advising on financial services, fintech and crypto across the Middle East.  From the early days of domestic law firms to the rise of global legal networks, Adrianus explains how the industry has evolved — and what it’s like to be part of building financial centres from scratch in places like Dubai.  He discusses his experience as a regulator, working on market infrastructure such as Euronext and how globalisation has reshaped both legal practice and financial markets.  The conversation also explores the rapid development of the Middle East as a financial hub, including its approach to regulation, virtual assets and innovation in areas like crypto and payments.  Finally, Adrianus shares practical advice for junior lawyers on taking ownership of their careers, embracing hard work and navigating long-term professional growth.  00:00 Introduction  00:30 Adrianus’ Early Career and Why He Chose Law  02:00 Training as a Lawyer in the Netherlands  04:30 Life as a Trainee in the Early 2000s  07:00 The Rise of Big Law in Europe  10:00 Becoming a Financial Markets Lawyer  12:00 Moving into Regulation and Euronext  15:00 Why Adrianus Moved to Dubai  18:00 Building a Financial Centre from Scratch  21:00 Life and Work in Dubai  25:00 Working Across the Middle East  28:00 Differences in Clients and Markets  32:00 The Growth of Financial Services in the Region  35:00 Crypto, Virtual Assets and Regulation  40:00 Market Confidence and the Role of Regulators  45:00 How Financial Markets Are Evolving  50:00 Working at DLA Piper in the Middle East  53:00 What Makes a Successful Lawyer Today  57:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers  01:01:00 Career Reflections and Looking Ahead  

In this episode, Martin Dowdall, a financial services regulatory partner at Taylor Wessing, shares his journey through the legal industry, specialising in payments, fintech, crypto and financial regulation.From studying Russian at university to training at a Silver Circle firm and working across Magic Circle and US firms, Martin explains how he found his niche in financial services regulation and why non-law backgrounds can be a real advantage in the profession.He discusses the differences between top-tier law firms, the rise of US firms in London and how the legal market has evolved over the past decade. Martin also shares insights into working with fast-growing fintech and crypto companies and how advising these clients differs from traditional financial institutions.The conversation explores what clients actually value from lawyers, the importance of clear and practical advice and how reputation and network drive long-term success in private practice.Martin also reflects on his first year as a partner — the challenges, responsibilities beyond legal work and the mindset shift required to succeed at that level.Finally, he shares his perspective on AI in law, the future of crypto regulation and why experience, curiosity and strong communication skills remain critical in an evolving industry.00:00 Introduction00:20 Meet Martin Dowdall: FinTech & FS Regulatory Lawyer01:00 From Russian Degree to Law03:00 Discovering Financial Services Regulation06:00 Magic Circle vs Silver Circle08:30 Rise of US Law Firms in London10:00 Skills Needed to Succeed in Law12:00 Mentors and Career Development18:30 Moving into Payments, FinTech and Crypto20:00 First Year as a Partner23:00 Winning Clients and Building a Network26:00 What is Financial Services Regulation?27:30 FinTech vs Traditional Banking Clients33:00 Working with Crypto Founders37:00 The Future of Crypto Regulation (UK & EU)41:00 AI in the Legal Industry47:00 Career Highlights53:00 Advice for Junior Lawyers59:00 What’s Next in FinTech and Regulation

In this episode of the Legal Aura Podcast, Peter Jackson, former CEO of Hill Dickinson, shares his remarkable journey in the legal industry. From starting his career as a trainee in Liverpool to leading Hill Dickinson through exponential growth, Peter discusses his strategic decisions, the role of mentorship, cultural importance in mergers and the evolution of law firm operations. He also touches on personal challenges, such as almost leaving the firm early in his career and adapting to new media tools for modern legal practice. Finally, Peter reflects on his future post-CEO plans and the importance of adapting to change while maintaining core values.00:00 Introduction to the Legal Aura Podcast00:20 Meet Peter Jackson: Leading Hil Dickinson01:02 Peter Jackson's Early Life and Education11:48 Navigating Law School and Early Career Challenges16:56 The Evolution of Law Firm Culture18:42 Training and Mentorship in the Legal Profession31:55 Acquisitions and Mergers: Growing Hil Dickinson41:48 Investing in Business and Workforce42:05 Evaluating Lateral Hires and Acquisitions42:58 Challenges in Client Retention43:31 Due Diligence and Client Feedback47:32 Cultural Fit and Values in Hiring48:52 Personal Career Reflections52:09 Leadership and Mentorship01:00:00 Media and Personal Branding for Lawyers01:14:06 Summary and Future Plans