In this episode, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Sarah Rees, a leading partner in the commercial litigation team at Blake Morgan, who shares her journey from trainee to partner. She reflects on key leadership lessons, navigating the challenges of work-life balance, and the future of law firms in an evolving legal world. With decades of experience, Sarah offers invaluable insights into managing teams, integrating laterals, and what makes a successful law firm partner.

Sarah Rees is a respected partner at Blake Morgan, a prominent national law firm, where she leads the commercial litigation team in London. With a career spanning over three decades, Sarah has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of her team, earning recognition as a leading partner in her field. She is also an elected member of Blake Morgan’s Strategy Board, where she contributes to the firm’s direction and development. Known for her practical approach to leadership and deep commitment to mentoring future legal talent, Sarah continues to shape the next generation of lawyers while actively promoting a balanced, inclusive work culture.

Expect to Learn:

• The critical skills of successful law firm partners beyond just billables
• The importance of teamwork in litigation and leadership
• The impact of agile working on work-life balance
• How AI and evolving business models are shaping the future of law firms
• Mentoring the next generation of successful partners

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [01:26] – Welcome to Beyond Billables & Introduction of Sarah Rees
• [04:41] – The Three T’s: Tenacious, Tough, Team Player
• [06:56] – Why Litigation Can Be More Forgiving for Working Parents
• [10:44] – Partnership: The Beginning of Responsibility, Not the End Goal
• [12:32] – The Transition from 'Jobbing Partner' to Law Firm Leader
• [16:27] – The Board Election Process: Manifestos and Campaigning
• [18:23] – Best and Worst Moments as a Partner
• [19:52] – The Transformational Impact of Agile Working
• [21:49] – The Pitfalls of Mandating Office Attendance
• [22:56] – Sarah's Experience with Lateral Integration via Mergers
• [27:39] – The Realities of Internal Integration for New Hires
• [30:35] – Making Friends with Clients: A Litigator's Strategy
• [32:11] – How Strong Client Relationships Build a Competitive Advantage
• [36:26] – Future Factors for Success: Agile Working, AI, and Firm Consolidation
• [39:26] – The Rise of Boutiques and New Law Firms like Keystone
• [41:39] – Three Non-Negotiable Behaviours for Team Success
• [42:53] – One Golden Rule for a Successful Partner: Just Keep Going

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-rees-5ba93211/
• Company’s Website: https://www.blakemorgan.co.uk/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blake-morgan-llp/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
• Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

• Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l