Life at the top of a £2bn law firm | Ep 29 Paul Lewis

In this episode of But is it Legal?, host Simon Marshall gets an exclusive look at how Paul Lewis (Firmwide Managing Partner, Linklaters) leads one of the legal industry’s global giants - steering strategy, redefining success, and making a difference.🎙️

🔥 What's included:

Redefining leadership: Paul breaks down what it really means to manage a global law firm, from boardroom decisions to cultural integration across 30+ offices.

The story so far: Hear how an early interest in firm management turned into a leadership career, and the lessons Paul learned from losing and winning elections along the way.

Bold moves & big decisions: Discover how Linklaters decided to exit Russia post-invasion, and what it takes to lead during global crises.

Vision 2035: Paul shares how success isn’t just about profit, it’s about winning the most complex, high-stakes legal work globally.

Ditching lockstep: Find out why Linklaters moved away from traditional partner pay structures, and how that’s reshaping the way big law competes.

Global vs local: Learn how Linklaters balances a single global strategy with regional autonomy, and why clarity of purpose beats micro-management.

What’s next for the Magic Circle?: Paul gives his take on the A&O-Shearman merger, questions the future of the “Magic Circle”.

Law meets impact: Paul discusses Linklaters’ push for social mobility and how the firm is engaging with underserved UK communities.

🎧 Why you should listen: Whether you’re a future leader, legal professional, or just curious how a global law firm operates from the inside, this episode delivers rare insight into high-level strategy, leadership under pressure, and the future of elite legal services.

👉 Subscribe now and be part of the conversation that’s changing up the UK legal sector!

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👉 Follow Paul Lewis

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/paul-lewis-aa1b4527
Profile: https://www.linklaters.com/en/find-a-lawyer/paul-lewis

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👉 Follow Simon Marshall

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpaulmarshall/  
Website: www.tbdmarketing.co.uk