The Future Is Bright Podcast

A Big Four firm just entered the U.S. legal market and the ripple effects could reshape how law is practiced, priced, and powered by technology. Tom Greenaway, Principal of KPMG Law US, joins Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg to explore what that move signals for the profession. Corporate law departments face rising volume, flat headcount, and pressure to cut costs. The traditional billable hour model strains under that weight. So what happens when a global accounting and consulting platform builds a law firm designed for scale from the start? Tom explains how KPMG Law US focuses on managed services, technology integration, and lowering unit cost through platform thinking rather than isolated solutions. The conversation also turns to talent and culture. What kind of lawyer succeeds in a multidisciplinary environment that includes technologists, data scientists, and accountants? How do firms balance professional rigor with rapid change? As AI adoption becomes measurable and enterprise platforms shape how businesses operate, the bigger question emerges: will law evolve alongside the systems that power modern companies, or risk falling behind them?   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Launch of KPMG Law US and Why It Matters 04:46 Technology, AI, and the Changing Legal Delivery Model 11:50 The Future of Legal Staffing and Talent Strategy 18:03 Growth Strategy, Market Positioning, and Industry Impact 21:26 The Future of the Legal Industry and Big Four Influence Connect with Tom Greenaway: Connect with Tom on LinkedIn Tom's Company Web Profile KPMG Global Legal Business Services    Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn Howard's Company Web Profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website  MergerWatch Website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm  

What happens when a global law firm treats AI as a way to sharpen human judgment rather than replace it and uses change as a chance to rebuild stronger rather than cling to the past.   Client Centric Innovation anchors this conversation with Lorie Almon, Chair and Managing Partner of Seyfarth Shaw, one of the largest global law firms in the AmLaw 100. Lorie shares how she thinks about leading a firm of more than a thousand lawyers through rapid technological change while staying grounded in client-defined value and strong professional culture.   The Japanese concept of Kintsugi becomes a powerful lens for understanding this moment in the legal profession. When long-standing systems crack under pressure, do leaders rush to preserve the old shape or intentionally rebuild something stronger? Lorie explains how this mindset influences decisions around AI adoption, strategic growth, and the way knowledge and judgment flow across the firm.   What does it really mean to future-proof a law firm? How do leaders decide which traditions deserve protection and which need to evolve? And as technology accelerates, which human skills become even more essential? This conversation offers a thoughtful and pragmatic look at the future of legal leadership with people firmly at the center.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Client-Centric Innovation as a Leadership Strategy 06:08 Kintsugi and Rebuilding the Future of the Legal Profession 12:04 Strategic Lateral Growth Without Sacrificing Culture 19:02 The Role of AI in the Future 21:52 Capturing Institutional Knowledge With Data and AI 23:22 Why the Future of Law Firms Is Still Human Connect with Lorie Almon: Connect with Lorie on LinkedIn Lorie's Law Firm bio     Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn Howard's Company Web Profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Private equity is knocking on law firm doors but this conversation asks whether the legal industry is truly ready for the discipline control and long-term tradeoffs that outside capital demands.   Drawing on his background as a private equity executive with deep experience in investment banking and law firm operations, Adil Taha offers a clear-eyed look at what actually happens inside UK PE law firms. He questions whether private equity has delivered lasting value in legal or simply accelerated partner payouts and explains why many benefits remain theoretical until exit. Chris and Howard press on where PE can genuinely help and where it creates risk, from pricing discipline and data-driven decision making to cultural friction inside partnerships. Why do so many deals collapse late in the process? What changes when long-term enterprise building collides with short-term partner incentives?   The conversation also looks ahead. Adil explores whether building a PE-backed firm from scratch could outperform acquiring legacy firms and why minority investments may make more sense for larger practices that want capital without surrendering control. The result is a grounded look at power incentives and the future of UK PE law firms and a candid reminder that private equity is never neutral capital.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Private Equity and the Law Firm Landscape 06:31 Does Private Equity Actually Create Value in Law Firms? 22:19 The Hidden Risks of PE Ownership in Legal Businesses 30:09 The Future of Law Firms and Private Equity 40:30 Independent Law Firms vs Private Equity Pressure 52:20 What Managing Partners Need to Know Before Taking Capital Connect with Adil Taha: Connect with Adil on LinkedIn Taha & Watmough Website   Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn Howard's Company Web Profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Law firms are quietly rewriting the rules on growth power and ownership as consolidation, private capital and talent pressure push the industry toward a fundamentally different future. Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg step back from deal headlines to talk about what 2025 revealed beneath the surface of the legal market. Mergers are no longer driven by geography alone and private capital is no longer a fringe topic whispered about behind closed doors. The conversation centers on how managing partners are being forced to rethink scale strategy and long-term value in an environment where standing still is no longer an option. The episode also unpacks why enterprise value has entered the law firm vocabulary and why partners are beginning to question a model that pays well annually yet offers little on the way out. With investors circling smaller and mid-sized firms first, Chris and Howard explore what private capital really wants from law firms and what law firms may gain or risk by engaging it. Is this about cashing out or about building something durable that attracts talent and creates optionality over time? Looking ahead to 2026, the discussion widens to include boutique firms, venture-backed legal platforms and a talent market that no longer respects seasonality. New firms will launch. Others will combine. Some will struggle to adapt. The episode leaves listeners with a clear takeaway. The legal industry is no longer debating whether change is coming. The real question is who is preparing for it with intention and who is hoping yesterday's rules still apply.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Change 03:11 Mergers and Acquisitions: The New Landscape 10:30 Private Capital: A Game Changer for Law Firms 18:27 The Future of Law Firms: Trends and Predictions 25:52 Innovations in Legal Services: The Rise of Tech Companies   Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn Howard's Company Web Profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website  MergerWatch Website   Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm  

What does it really take to build a national middle-market law firm that grows fast, integrates cleanly, and keeps its partners committed rather than walking out the door? Bob Hicks, chairman and managing partner of Taft Stettinius & Hollister, explains how middle market mergers have powered Taft's expansion without sacrificing culture or retention. Rather than chasing scale for its own sake, he lays out a disciplined approach built on cultural alignment, economic fit, and client compatibility. Many conversations never become deals, and Hicks sees that restraint as a competitive advantage. Independence, he argues, is often the real rival, especially for firms that wait too long and lose momentum before acting. The discussion also looks at what happens after a merger closes. Hicks points to partner retention, post-merger growth, and radical transparency as proof that integration matters more than headlines. From open financial reporting to a predictable compensation system, trust is treated as a growth strategy, not a soft value. At the center is a talent-first philosophy that reframes success around attracting and keeping great lawyers rather than chasing clients. Looking ahead, Hicks sees continued consolidation in the middle market and growing demand for national firms that offer scale without elite-tier pricing, with little patience for firms unwilling to adapt.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Taft's Growth Story and Recent Middle Market Mergers 05:01 Building a National Middle-Market Law Firm Strategy 10:10 The Taft Merger Model: Culture, Fit, and Long-Term Success 19:59 Modernizing Law Firms Through Talent, Transparency, and Trust 29:54 Bob Hicks on Leadership, Risk, and the Future of the Legal Industry Connect with Bob Hicks: Bob's Company Web Profile   Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn Howard's Company Web Profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website  MergerWatch Website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

What does it take to build a high-stakes litigation firm that wins without Big Law scale while staying lean, values-driven, and firmly in control of its future? Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg speak with Natasha Harrison, founder and managing partner of Pallas Partners, about what it takes to rethink the traditional law firm model from the ground up. Natasha shares why she left Big Law to build a focused litigation boutique rooted in senior judgment, clarity, and results rather than size or leverage. The conversation challenges the assumption that growth and prestige come from scale, offering a sharper view of what sophisticated clients actually value today. At the heart of the discussion is deliberate design. Natasha explains why culture must be set from day one and why discipline around growth protects both people and performance. They explore the tension between expansion and identity, raising thoughtful questions about limits, leadership, and the risks of drifting into the middle ground between boutique and Big Law. The takeaway is clear: focus is a strategic advantage. The episode closes with a forward-looking perspective on leadership and longevity. Natasha reflects on resilience, trust, and building a firm that can thrive beyond its founder, while Chris and Howard draw out insights on technology, succession planning, and the changing definition of success in law. Change is inevitable, and those who lead with intention are best positioned for what comes next.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Rethinking the Big Law Model 02:39 Designing Culture in a Boutique Firm 09:05 Resilience and Entrepreneurial Leadership 11:50 What Sophisticated Clients Value 14:02 High-Stakes Litigation in Volatile Markets 16:55 Technology and the Future of Legal Teams 22:10 Leadership, Succession, and Longevity Connect with Natasha Harrison: Connect with Natasha on LinkedIn Natasha's Company Web Profile Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn Howard's Company Web Profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

A leader who built his career on high-stakes investigations shares how those experiences now shape the culture, standards, and direction of a top litigation firm. Matthew L. Schwartz, Chair of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, joins Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg to talk about what it takes to lead a litigation-first firm without losing the sharpness that defines its work. He reflects on a decade in the Southern District of New York, where cases tied to General Motors, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the fallout from Bernie Madoff shaped his views on judgment, clarity, and what clients actually want from their lawyers. Matthew explains why the firm gives young lawyers real responsibility early on and why senior lawyers thrive with the autonomy to build their practices without heavy bureaucracy. He also digs into the decisions that matter most right now: where to grow, how to align with client needs, and what pressures like AI, rising litigation costs, and outside capital mean for a disputes-only practice. The conversation circles back to a central question for any leader in high-stakes litigation: how do you build a firm where people think boldly, act with integrity, and stay committed to excellence when the pressure is highest? Matthew makes the case that culture, mentorship, and trust still carry the most weight.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Matthew L. Schwartz's Path From Federal Prosecutor to Firm Chair 06:05 Lessons From High-Profile Cases and Complex Investigations 12:02 How Boies Schiller Flexner LLP Develops and Retains Top Legal Talent 15:01 AI, Technology, and the Future of Litigation 18:03 Private Equity and the Changing Law Firm Model 24:04 Mentorship and Developing the Next Generation of Trial Lawyers 29:45 Personal Insights and Matthew's Outlook on the Future of Law Connect with Matthew L. Schwartz: Connect with Matt on LinkedIn Matt's Web Bio    Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn Howard's Company Web Profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

The legal industry is racing toward new business models, and Trisha Rich offers a grounded view of what that shift actually requires.  As a partner at Holland & Knight and a professor at New York University School of Law, she works at the center of the conversations driving MSO growth, ABS experimentation, and rising interest from Private Equity. Firms want support, investors want a foothold, and everyone wants clarity on where the ethical lines sit. Trisha argues that the answers are far less mysterious than people think. Independence, fee structures, and client protection still define the boundaries, and decades of opinions already show how to navigate them. She also speaks to the momentum behind this moment. AI pressure, shifting talent expectations, and a clear push for stronger business models have created an environment where MSO and ABS structures feel less experimental and more inevitable. Her perspective invites firms to ask sharper questions: what kind of growth makes sense, which investments matter most, and how do you protect the heart of the profession while modernizing it? The conversation offers a clear read on a fast-evolving space and a thoughtful look at how regulation and innovation shape each other inside modern legal practice.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The MSO and ABS Shift in the Legal Industry 04:26 How Rule 5.4 Shapes Modern Law Firm Models 11:19 Historical Precedent That Explains Today's MSO Boom 21:27 Law Firms, Business Strategy, and the Push for Scale 26:19 Why Private Equity Now Targets Legal Services Connect with Trisha Rich: Connect with Trisha on LinkedIn Trisha's Law Firm bio    Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn Howard's Company Web Profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

What happens when a 300-year-old law firm builds its future on client-led growth, global collaboration, and a culture that actually holds up across 29 offices?   Laura Cameron, Global Managing Partner of Pinsent Masons, shares how she won a contested election with a vision rooted in people, purpose, and progress. She explains why growth only works when clients lead the way, how culture becomes a selection tool, and why she tests every new hire for "chemistry" before skill. The conversation cuts through leadership theory to reveal what it really means to run a global firm, balancing expansion with consistency, and ambition with care.   Can a firm that old still move with agility? And how does a leader stay grounded while steering across continents and time zones? Laura answers both with candor, humor, and the kind of insight that makes longevity look anything but traditional.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Global Leadership at Pinsent Masons 02:47 Laura Cameron's Journey from Litigator to Managing Partner 10:14 Building a Unified Culture Across 29 Offices 14:02 The Future of Law: AI, Technology, and Private Capital 17:06 Leadership Advice for Aspiring Law Firm Partners 18:36 Geopolitical Risks and Global Operations 25:43 Why Pinsent Masons Is Expanding in China 27:13 The Future of the Legal Sector   Connect with Laura Cameron: Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Laura's Web Bio   Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn Howard's Company Web Profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Elliot Moss didn't join a law firm to keep things the same. As Partner and Chief Brand Officer at Mishcon de Reya LLP, he brought a deep understanding of branding into a profession that often dismisses it, and changed how one of the UK's top firms thinks about growth and perception. He shares how clarity, consistency, and emotional intelligence turned Mishcon from a £45 million practice into a £380 million brand defined by truth and differentiation, not slogans. Clients, he says, may buy expertise, but they stay because of trust and how a firm makes them feel.   He talks candidly about leading change in a culture that prizes logic over emotion, showing how small wins and patience can reshape perception from within. The conversation moves beyond marketing into the psychology of leadership, exploring why authentic differentiation matters more than polish and how strong branding can become a firm's greatest competitive advantage. For Elliot, the future of law will belong to those who understand that perception drives performance—and that real brand power is earned, not advertised.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Building a Brand Inside a Law Firm 04:35 From Advertising to Legal Branding 06:30 Why Differentiation Matters in Professional Services 09:08 Changing Client Perception Through Authentic Branding 15:33 Strategy and Growth at Mishcon de Reya LLP 24:32 Leading Change in a Traditional Industry 31:16 AI, Private Capital, and the Future of Law Firms 36:59 Elliot Moss on Leadership and Opportunity Connect with Elliot Moss Connect with Elliot on LinkedIn Elliot's Web Bio   Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn Howard's Company Web Profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Many firms say they have a Law Firm Strategy, but few actually do. In this episode, Chris Batz breaks down what true strategy looks like inside corporate law firms and why clarity must come before growth. He introduces his framework for effective law firm strategy, the "three P's": positioning, perception, and competition. He explains how each reveals the gap between where a firm stands today and where it aims to be. From understanding client perception to benchmarking against competitors, he outlines how to replace internal optimism with market reality and strategic focus.   Chris also tackles the forces reshaping the legal marketplace—AI, private equity, and shifting client expectations—and how they demand a more agile, evidence-based approach to law firm strategy. Rather than chasing growth for its own sake, Chris argues that firms must make disciplined trade-offs, align behavior with purpose, and revisit their strategy regularly to stay relevant.   This episode challenges leaders to ask: when was the last time your law firm strategy reflected the market you're actually competing in?   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 What Law Firm Strategy Really Means 01:00 The Three P's: Positioning, Perception, and Competition 03:00 How to Define Your Market Position 06:20 Why Client Perception Shapes Reality 11:10 Building Credibility and Market Visibility 14:00 Adapting Strategy to Client Needs and Market Change 17:30 Common Pitfalls and the Strategy Gap 20:50 Growth Decisions: Lateral Hires vs. Mergers 23:25 On Law Firm Strategy Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Law firms everywhere are debating private equity. Sir Nigel Knowles has already lived the full arc, from global expansion to IPO to take-private. Joining hosts Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg, the former global managing partner of DLA Piper and former CEO of DWF unpacks a career built on bold growth and tough calls. He shares how a 90-person practice in Sheffield became DLA Piper through disciplined strategy, relentless execution, and a shift from territorial "country barons" to one global firm. He walks through the three-way merger that hit at exactly the right moment, the lessons he carried from mentors like Senator George Mitchell, and why real leadership means setting direction and sustaining momentum long after the headlines fade. Sir Nigel also pulls back the curtain on DWF's public listing and why the market ultimately couldn't support a professional services model. Taking the firm private with Inflexion unlocked capital, agility, and focus — a path he believes more firms will follow as technology, talent costs, and scale demands collide. His message to law firm leaders: build a coalition, define where you're going, and act. Consensus can come later. The firms that act with clarity and conviction will own the future of the profession.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 From Sheffield Practice to Global Expansion at DLA Piper   05:01 Taking DWF Public: Why the IPO Model Fell Short   08:07 Private Equity vs. Public Markets in Law Firms   15:17 Leadership Lessons from Senator George Mitchell and Other Mentors   15:10 Strategy, Culture, and Conviction in Firm Growth   22:08 The Future of Law Firm Consolidation and Capital Models   28:30 Sir Nigel's Advice to Managing Partners, Act Before Consensus   Connect with Sir Nigel Knowles: Connect with Sir Nigel on LinkedIn Sir Nigel's Website Bio Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn Howard's Company Web Profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Private equity is circling the legal industry, and Lucian Pera is helping make sense of what that means for MSO law firms and beyond.  Joining Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg, Lucian breaks down how management services organizations (MSOs) and alternative business structures (ABSs) are giving outside investors new ways to participate in the economics of law - without running afoul of ethics rules like ABA Rule 5.4. Lucian makes it clear that these models are tools, not shortcuts. For some firms, an MSO structure may unlock the capital needed for technology, acquisitions, or ambitious growth plans. For others, a traditional loan or internal funding might make more sense. The critical step, he argues, is matching structure to strategy, rather than chasing the latest buzz. As interest from PE firms and family offices surges, the profession faces a choice: see outside money as a threat, or recognize the opportunities it brings to modernize how law firms operate. Lucian leans toward the latter. Just as medicine and accounting were reshaped by investment, he believes law is in the midst of its own slow-motion revolution where the business side of the profession is finally catching up with reality. For lawyers and investors alike, understanding MSOs, ABSs, and the ethics that govern them is a glimpse into where the legal market is headed next.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet Lucian Pera 01:04 MSO Law Firms Explained 05:09 Rule 5.4 and Legal Compliance 09:19 Market Trends and Investor Interest 15:45 Which Law Firms Are Using MSOs 18:17 Private Capital: Threat or Opportunity? 25:19 ABS Structures in Law Firms 30:10 ABS vs. MSO: Key Differences 32:10 Future Outlook for Law Firms and PE   Connect with Lucian Pera: Connect with Lucian on LinkedIn Lucian's Website Bio    Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn Howard's Company Web Profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Mid-sized law firms are facing pressure from every direction. Associates are poached with six-figure pay bumps, partners are stretched thin between billing and management, and specialty practices vanish without succession plans. At the same time, clients expect broader reach and deeper benches than many firms can deliver. In this episode, host Chris Batz shares what he's hearing directly from managing partners and executive committee members across the country. He outlines the squeeze mid-sized firms are feeling - lagging organic growth, talent retention challenges, leadership burnout - and the difficult choices leaders are weighing: scale up, go lean, or join a larger platform. Chris also looks at the emerging role of private equity in law firm ownership and the ripple effects it could have on culture, compensation, and competition. Along the way, he points out steps firms can take now: sharpen strategic vision, invest in leadership and succession, strengthen recruiting systems, and pursue growth through the right mergers or acquisitions. At its heart, this episode asks a question every firm should confront: how do you stay competitive without exhausting the people who make your firm strong?   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Mid-Sized Law Firms Are Struggling 03:30 Why Talent Keeps Leaving Mid-Sized Firms 04:28 The Leadership Burnout Crisis in Law Firms 07:37 Scenario 1: Losing Lead Counsel Work to Bigger Firms 11:31 Scenario 2: Rainmakers With No Succession Plan 14:04 Billing vs. Leading — Can Firm Leaders Do Both? 18:19 Growth Choices: Lateral Hires, Acquisitions, or Mergers 24:01 Should Mid-Sized Firms Join Larger Platforms? 26:09 The Hidden Cost of Burnout in Firm Leadership 32:17 How Private Equity Is Changing Law Firms 34:18 Strategies for Mid-Sized Firms to Compete 43:48 Key Lessons for Law Firm Leaders   Connect with Chris Batz: LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbatz/  LinkedIn company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbus-street/ Columbus Street website: https://www.columbus-street.com/  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jami Wintz McKeon, Chair of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, joins Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg to share her journey from associate to leading one of the world's largest law firms. She reflects on the moments that shaped her path, including overseeing major integrations, heading the litigation practice, and ultimately stepping into the role of chair.   Jami talks about the personal side of leadership, carrying both the joys and hardships of colleagues, staying connected across a global partnership, and fostering a culture where collaboration comes before credit. She also discusses Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP's approach to expansion, the role of client needs in shaping growth, and how the firm has embraced AI as an opportunity to strengthen client service.   Jami's advice for fellow and future law firm leaders is straightforward: you have to love the firm, the people, and the responsibility itself. She shares how gratitude and family keep her grounded and why focusing on what's working is as critical as addressing what isn't. At its core, this episode is a look at what it means to lead with both strategy and heart in an industry defined by constant change.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00  Jami Wintz McKeon's Path to Becoming a Law Firm Leader 02:54  Defining Career Turning Points at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP 05:36  Leading with Connection and Caring for Firm Members 08:28  Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Global Growth Strategy 13:40  Artificial Intelligence in Law Firms and Client Service 16:35  Advice for Current and Aspiring Law Firm Leaders 20:20  Staying Grounded Through Gratitude and Family 25:40  Inspiration and Leadership Philosophy 29:38  Looking Ahead: The Future of Law Firm Leadership   Links Connect with Jami Wintz McKeon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jami-wintz-mckeon-1b993746/ Web bio: https://www.morganlewis.com/bios/jmckeon   Connect with Howard Rosenberg: LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrosenberg/ Company web profile: https://www.baretzbrunelle.com/howard-rosenberg   Connect with Chris Batz: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbatz/  LinkedIn Company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbus-street/ Columbus Street website: https://www.columbus-street.com/  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Stephen Zubiago, CEO and Managing Partner of Nixon Peabody LLP, joins hosts Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg to share what it takes to lead an AmLaw 100 firm through growth, competition, and change. He talks about how Nixon Peabody LLP aligns talent strategy with client needs, develops attorneys at every level, and builds a culture where collaboration and entrepreneurial drive matter as much as expertise. Their discussion explores the firm's focus on industries like financial services, real estate and affordable housing, healthcare, and technology, and why being selective about expansion is key to long-term strength.   This episode also looks at the bigger shifts reshaping the legal profession, including the race for talent, pressure to scale, and the rise of private equity in professional services. Stephen explains why Nixon Peabody LLP has turned down outside capital, how flexible remote work policies have strengthened retention after COVID, and why artificial intelligence is changing the way law is practiced. At the core of his leadership approach is a simple principle: the firm moves forward when its people do.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Stephen Zubiago's Career Journey 02:49 Vision for Growth at Nixon Peabody LLP 03:54 Attracting and Retaining Top Legal Talent 04:57 Key Practice Areas and Industry Focus 06:33 Balancing Firm Size with Culture and Market Position 11:17 What Differentiates Nixon Peabody LLP 14:01 Private Equity and the Future of Law Firms 16:01 The Partnership Model and Capital Needs 18:16 Managing Pricing Pressures in Legal Services 23:21 Navigating Challenges and Future Opportunities 24:01 Remote Work, Flexibility, and Retention 28:53 Innovation, Industry Focus, and AI in Legal Practice   Links Connect with Stephen Zubiago: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-zubiago-3141815/ Website Bio: https://www.nixonpeabody.com/people/zubiago-stephen-d   Connect with Howard Rosenberg: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrosenberg/ Company Web Profile: https://www.baretzbrunelle.com/howard-rosenberg   Connect with Chris Batz: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbatz/  LinkedIn Company Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbus-street/ Columbus Street Website: https://www.columbus-street.com/  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

David Lat spent years climbing the legal ladder, clerking, working at Wachtell, joining the DOJ, before realizing that the most meaningful part of his career wasn't going to happen in a courtroom. Joining Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg, David talks through the decisions that shaped his path, from writing a cheeky anonymous blog about federal judges to launching "Above the Law" and building one of the most influential voices in legal media. He reflects on the pressure to follow prestige, the pull of creative work, and the unexpected ways his early writing opened doors he didn't even know existed.   A serious case of COVID-19 in 2020 forced him to pause and take stock. What would it look like to return to writing on his own terms? What parts of the legal world still felt worth exploring? Those questions led to "Original Jurisdiction," a Substack newsletter where David now shares sharp, thoughtful takes on the profession he never fully left. David also opens up about parenting two young kids with his husband Zach, navigating surrogacy, and finding ways to stay engaged without burning out. This episode is a look at what it means to shift gears without losing momentum, and how the best version of your work might be the one that feels the most like you.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet David Lat: From Wachtell to Legal Media 05:41 The Birth of Underneath Their Robes 06:59 Launching Above the Law 10:54 The Rise and Reach of Above the Law 13:25 Why David Stepped Away from Legal Journalism 16:23 A Life-Changing COVID-19 Experience 18:02 Starting Over with Original Jurisdiction 27:00 Legal Parenthood, Surrogacy, and Family Life 31:45 Candid Advice for Aspiring Writers and Lawyers 39:54 Big Law, AI, and the Future of the Profession   Links Connect with David Lat: Substack: https://davidlat.substack.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlat/   Connect with Howard Rosenberg: LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrosenberg/ Company web profile: https://www.baretzbrunelle.com/howard-rosenberg   Connect with Chris Batz: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbatz/  LinkedIn Company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbus-street/ Columbus Street website: https://www.columbus-street.com/  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm  

Titles don't build trust, people do. And according to Rebecca Goodman-Stephens, that's where real leadership begins. Rebecca is the CEO of Moses Singer, a New York law firm, but her story starts far from the legal world. She grew up across the UK, Switzerland, and France, studied clinical psychology, and built her career in consulting and public accounting before stepping into her current role. Along the way, she kept coming back to the same core skill: understanding people. As she joins hosts Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg, Rebecca shares how her background shaped her leadership style, and why listening, curiosity, and follow-through matter more than any formal authority. How do you get people to want to work with you? How does one shift a firm's culture without blowing up what's already working? Rebecca also talks about her move into legal services and what surprised her most, like how much creativity and momentum she's found in a space often viewed as slow to change. From evolving compensation structures to narrowing focus and driving intentional growth, she walks through the mindset behind her first two years as CEO. This episode touches on private equity and what legal leaders can learn from the accounting world. Rebecca offers a clear message: don't wait for outside investment to fix what you haven't yet addressed internally.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet Rebecca Goodman-Stephens 04:04 How Clinical Psychology Shapes Rebecca's Leadership Approach 08:02 Lessons from Consulting and Public Accounting 12:52 Why Rebecca Moved into Legal Services 15:50 What Surprised Rebecca About the Legal Industry 17:27 Leading Change as CEO at Moses Singer 21:13 Private Equity and the Future of Law Firms 24:23 Building a Resilient, Forward-Looking Organization 26:41 Launching a Business-Focused Law Firm Podcast 27:56 Personal Passions, Family Life, and New York Favorites   Links Connect with Rebecca Goodman-Stephens: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-goodman-stephens-b702665/   Connect with Howard Rosenberg: LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrosenberg/ Company web profile: https://www.baretzbrunelle.com/howard-rosenberg   Connect with Chris Batz: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbatz/  LinkedIn Company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbus-street/ Columbus Street website: https://www.columbus-street.com/  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm  

Succession only looks seamless from the outside. Yakub Hazzard shares what it really took to step into the chair role at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP, and why leadership transitions require more than just good timing.   How do you plan for change without disrupting what already works? Yakub walks through the nearly two-year succession planning process that prepared him to take over as chair, from building internal alignment to choosing the right leadership partner. He shares how the firm prioritized culture over convenience, and why that made all the difference.   Yakub also reflects on his journey from paralegal to partner, with a few unexpected stops along the way. Raised in a household of professional athletes, he learned early what discipline looks like up close. Time at NBCUniversal gave him a new perspective on what clients actually need from their lawyers, something he carries into every interaction today.   The episode also covers how the firm is growing with intention, where entertainment law is headed, and how AI is already reshaping the conversation. Yakub's perspective is steady, strategic, and refreshingly grounded.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Yakub Hazzerd's Background  04:46 Starting in Law: From Paralegal to Partner 07:06 Going In-House at NBCUniversal 09:00 Returning to MSK and the Shift Back to Private Practice 10:05 Succession Planning and Leadership Transition 13:30 Strategic Growth and Culture-Driven Hiring 18:35 Industry Disruption: Streaming, Gaming, and AI 27:34 Building High-Performing Teams   Links Connect with Yakub Hazzard: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yakub-hazzard-1469b113/  Firm Website Bio: https://www.msk.com/attorneys-Yakub_Hazzard Connect with Howard Rosenberg: LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrosenberg/ Company web profile: https://www.baretzbrunelle.com/howard-rosenberg   Connect with Chris Batz: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbatz/  LinkedIn Company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbus-street/ Columbus Street website: https://www.columbus-street.com/  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm  

Law firms that treat innovation like a team sport are the ones shaping the future of legal practice.   Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg sit down with Jamie Drozd, the managing partner at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, a corporate law firm known for leaning into technology in ways that actually stick. Jamie shares how her path, from commercial litigator to firm leadership, was shaped by early lessons in service, and how those same values now guide her in a role she never set out to pursue.   What does meaningful growth look like for a modern law firm? For Jamie, it's not about size. It's about deepening expertise in industries like technology, financial services, and media, while staying rooted in strong client relationships and a culture that prioritizes collaboration over ego.   Jamie also offers a candid look at how the firm is approaching technology, including artificial intelligence. From firm-wide hackathons to building custom AI tools that support legal writing and workflow, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is taking a hands-on approach to innovation—one that empowers people at every level to think creatively about client service.   This episode leaves listeners with a clear vision: growth that reflects the firm's values, a workplace that supports both ambition and well-being, and a culture where tech isn't a trend but a mindset.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 02:09 Leadership Roles and Achievements 09:27 Firm's Growth Strategy 13:19 Embracing AI and Technology 18:25 Internal Drive for Innovation 20:13 Geographic Expansion Considerations 22:52 Transition from Practicing Attorney to Managing Partner 25:57 Hybrid Work Environment and Engagement 30:50 Long-term Vision and Goals   Links Connect with Jaime Drozd: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-drozd-7592733/ Firm Website Bio: https://www.dwt.com/people/d/drozd-jaime   Connect with Howard Rosenberg: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrosenberg/ Company web profile: https://www.baretzbrunelle.com/howard-rosenberg   Connect with Chris Batz: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbatz/  LinkedIn Company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbus-street/ Columbus Street website: https://www.columbus-street.com/  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm