The boutique that beat the Magic Circle: How Quinn Emanuel built the most successful litigation practice in London
Description
In this episode, we sit down with Richard East, the founding partner of Quinn Emanuel’s London office - the litigation powerhouse that has gone from a 2008 startup to one of the UK’s most profitable disputes firms, with revenues topping £220 million last year. Richard shares how he built the practice from scratch during the height of the financial crisis.
We discuss Quinn Emanuel’s distinctive model: no corporate teams, no panels, no conflicts - and no apologies about taking on the banks. Richard explains why that singular focus has been so powerful, and how the firm’s “door-to-door” approach to marketing - cold-calling and in-person meetings - helped them land early clients that fuelled their growth.
Richard also opens up about recruiting and compensation, including why Quinn refuses to follow the Cravath scale, why they pay comfortably above Magic Circle firms, and why entrepreneurial mindset is non-negotiable for new partners. He describes a culture that rewards independence and drive - and expects associates to own cases, not just take instructions.
We wrap up with Richard’s thoughts on competition, the evolution of the Magic Circle, and what comes next. He shares why he sees massive potential in using AI to stay ahead, why he isn’t afraid of giant mergers, and why after 17 years he still feels like there’s much more to build.
Chapters
00:40 Launching Quinn Emanuel London in 2008
04:00 Building a Litigation-Only Practice from Scratch
07:20 Marketing that Actually Works: Cold-Calling and Door-to-Door Meetings
11:00 Winning Early Clients During the Financial Crisis
14:40 How the Firm Thinks About Talent and Compensation
20:00 Culture, Independence, and Entrepreneurial DNA
24:30 Perspectives on the Magic Circle and Big Law Competitors
29:30 The Role of AI and the Future of Litigation
33:40 Leadership Lessons from 17 Years at the Helm
36:30 Ambition for the Next Chapter
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