Taking an Unconventional Route to the Top with Conrad Davies, Managing Partner at Osborne Clarke | Black Lawyers Matter Podcast, Series 2 Episode 4

Welcome back to another series of the Black Lawyers Matter Podcast, brought to you by The Stephen James Partnership and Black Lawyers Matter!

 

In the fourth episode of Series 2, your host Samuel Clague, CEO and Founder of The Stephen James Partnership, is in conversation with Conrad Davies, Managing Partner at Osborne Clarke. Join Sam and Conrad on a journey through Conrad’s unconventional path to success in law. Having started his legal journey later in life after leaving school without A-levels, Conrad’s story is sure to inspire others, by demonstrating how alternative qualifications can open doors to fulfilling legal careers.

 

From the legal industry's evolving landscape and the crucial role of technology, the need to invest in training lawyers to adapt to these new technologies to the recurring themes of mentorship and networking: Conrad shares invaluable insights gained throughout his career.

 

The conversation also doesn't shy away from the ongoing challenges of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) within the legal profession. Conrad acknowledges the importance of clear action plans, setting targets, and actively addressing concerns to avoid "D&I fatigue." The episode emphasises the need for sustained commitment to making progress in this crucial area.

 

Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with practical advice and inspiring annecdotes!

 

Timestamped guide:

 

01:01 - Introduction to Conrad

01:42 - Who in law did you look up to?

02:54 - What did you anticipate your career in law looking like?

03:58 - How did you find the transition into leadership?

05:11 - Can you share some of the challenges you had?

06:23 - What point in time helped you the most with your own personal development and journey?

08:08 - Are there any other areas you are looking to explore within leadership and development?

10:24 - What is your view on law firms needing to be more “tech-savvy”?

13:29 - What have been some of your career highlights?

16:48 - What is the most important part of a legal leaders role?

19:08 - How do you think the legal sector can continue to improve in terms of diversity?

22:21 - Have you had mentorship in your career? What has that looked like?

25:43 - What are some of the benefits that external mentoring can have?

27:38 - As a final closing statement, what advice would you give to the pre-partner you, today?

Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/ 

 

Connect with your guest, Conrad Davies: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conraddavies/ 

 

If you enjoy this episode, don't forget to subscribe for more and share with others in your

Network!

 

Explore more about The Stephen James Partnership here: https://thesjp.co.uk/

 

Learn about the Black Lawyers Matter mission here: https://thesjp.co.uk/diversity-programmes 

And discover SJP's Search and Advisory arm here: https://stephenandjames.co.uk/