The Black Lawyers Matter Podcast
The Black Lawyers Matter podcast aims to equip listeners with the skills, knowledge and acumen necessary to not only navigate the legal landscape, but thrive within it.
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Episodes
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
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 final episode of Series 2, your host Samuel Clague, CEO and Founder of The Stephen James Partnership, is in conversations with Jason Butwick, Partner at Dechert LLP.
Jason's journey in the legal world began with a childhood fascination for courtroom dramas on TV, eventually leading him to qualify as an employment lawyer. Despite his initial interest in commercial litigation, Jason's career took an unexpected turn, catapulting him into a leadership role within the firm.
The narrative unfolds as Jason shares his trajectory from a trainee to a partner, taking on various pivotal leadership roles, including the prestigious position of Managing Partner. Central to his professional development was the transformative impact of executive coaching, a resource he credits for honing his leadership skills and boosting his confidence.
Diversity and inclusion emerge as key themes in Jason's story, as he passionately advocates for fostering an inclusive culture within the legal profession. He recounts his efforts in organising events to promote diversity and discusses the delicate balance between flexibility and collaboration in the ever-evolving legal landscape.
Mentors also played a crucial role in Jason's success, and he now pays it forward by mentoring and sponsoring others in their career journeys. The podcast also touches upon cultural shifts within the legal realm, particularly the challenges associated with flexible working arrangements and the increasing impact of technology, including AI.
Join us for a compelling exploration of Jason’s inspiring career, offering a wealth of wisdom for both seasoned legal professionals and aspiring individuals navigating the dynamic landscape of the legal profession.
Timestamped guide:
00:43 - At what point did you think about being a lawyer?
03:03 - What are some of your passions outside of law?
04:50 - What was it that first piqued your interest in employment law?
13:37 - How did you find the transition of taking on more responsibility?
15:28 - What were some of the challenges of that time?
20:12 - Post-coaching, how did you articulate back some of the ROI to the firm?
23:36 - Do you think there is an element of fatigue around DE&I in the legal profession?
28:23 - How has mentorship impacted your career?
31:07 - What are some of the biggest challenges for legal leaders and aspiring leaders?
34:54 - 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, Jason Butwick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbutwick/
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/
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
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 fifth episode of Series 2, your host Samuel Clague, CEO and Founder of The Stephen James Partnership, speaks with Lee Ranson, Chief Executive (International) at Eversheds Sutherland. Join Sam and Lee for a captivating conversation on Lee’s unique path to legal leadership, exploring the influences that steered him from considering alternative careers to becoming a prominent figure in the legal world.
Delve into Lee's remarkable career progression, tracing his journey from litigator to managing partner and ultimately ascending to Chief Executive Officer of International at Evershed Sutherland.
Gain valuable insights from the experience and stories Lee shares; from his perspective on embracing professional challenges and opportunities for advancement - even if they may seem initially risky - to leading organisational change and the importance of clearly communicating an ambitious vision to inspire and motivate teams.
You can also expect to learn about Lee's unique approach to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), the critical role of developing strong business development and commercial skills alongside one's legal expertise for effective leadership, plus advice on the evolving legal landscape and much, much more!
Join us for an insightful conversation filled with practical advice and valuable lessons applicable to legal professionals at all stages of their careers!
Timestamped guide:
01:18 - If you hadn't chosen this career path, what do you think you'd be doing?
03:18 - When you were starting off, who did you look up to in the legal profession, and why?
04:50 - What are some of the tools that you have used to develop on a professional basis?
06:50 - You’ve been with the firm your whole career - what points in time have been the most important to your development?
10:55 - What does a typical day look like for you as Chief Executive?
14:12 - How did you find the transition from pure play fee earning into management and leadership?
16:27 - What has been your career highlight from a leadership perspective?
19:24 - Where did you passion emanate from, in terms of wanting to define the vision, and successfully articulate this to your colleagues?
21:27 - How would you say that legal leaders can drive change where concerns are being raised around diversity fatigue?
26:31 - what's your view on seeking out discomfort as part of a leaders role?
28:43 - What would you say are some of the greatest challenges for current and future leaders in the legal sector?
31:42 - Have you had mentorship in your career? What has that looked like?
35:19 - What other podcasts are on your listening list?
27:38 - 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, Lee Ranson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeranson/
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/
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Monday Feb 12, 2024
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/
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
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 third episode of Series 2, your host Samuel Clague, CEO and Founder of The Stephen James Partnership, is in conversation with Segun Osuntokun, Global Senior Partner. With over 30 years of experience as a lawyer specialising in civil fraud, Segun has recently been promoted to Global Senior Partner. He is an award-winning lawyer, the first black managing partner of BCLP and is passionate about developing diversity in the legal profession and mentoring other lawyers.
Join him and Sam to discuss Segun’s life and career, from growing up in Nigeria to becoming a leading lawyer in the UK, and even his eclectic music taste!
You can expect to hear Segun’s experience and advice on pursuing a legal career, drawing on his own experiences such as working at a variety of different law firms, a formative University experience which radically shifted his approach to challenges and why mentors, both formal and informal, can be invaluable for career progression.Segun also provides words of wisdom on who to lead in uncertain times and the value of keeping an open and curious mindset can be fundamental in building core skills needed to succeed as a lawyer.
Timestamped guide:
00:43 - Introduction to Segun01:07 - Before we get into your legal career, do you have a musical background?02:49 - What was it that led you to a career in law?04:31 - You've moved to a couple of different law firms over the course of your career - what led you to those moves?07:55 - What was a challenge earlier in your career that has set up in good stead for your progression?12:29 - Can you share some insight on leadership development when you were a senior associate level?16:41 - What would you say is your on the flip side, your proudest moment?19:57 - Did you have mentors as you were progressing your career?25:38 - What do you see as some of the challenges for aspiring leaders?32:36 - What is one piece of wisdom that you would give the senior associate version of yourself?
Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/
Connect with your guest, Segun Osuntokun: https://www.linkedin.com/in/segun-osuntokun-1a84759/
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/
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
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 second episode of Series 2, your host Samuel Clague, CEO and Founder of The Stephen James Partnership, speaks to Stephen Millar, Managing Partner at CMS. Stephen is responsible for the management of the firm across the UK, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as being a member of the CMS UK LLP board
Join him and Sam to discuss Stephen’s life and career, from his farming family background to becoming Managing Partner at the UK’s 6th largest law firm by revenue, and the world’s sixth largest by revenue.
Gain an insight into the key moments, choices and challenges that have shaped Stephen into the legal leader he is today. This includes why he chose to specialise in oil and gas, the obstacles he faced as a junior leader on his way up, a defining moment in his past that helped set him on his path and his biggest career highlight from a leadership perspective.
Stephen also shares his thoughts on leadership, such as how his leadership style has evolved over the years, the value of mentors and how having a compelling story and vision as a leader can help to engage others. It’s safe to say there are plenty of lessons to be learnt for any inspiring leader in law!
Timestamped guide:
00:02 - Introduction to Stephen
01:07 - What was family life like for you?
01:56 - How did you realise that a career in law was for you?
03:17 - What piqued your interest in oil and gas as a specialist industry?
19:44 - The transition from associate, to senior associate, to partner
05:46 - Challenges as a junior leader on the way up
06:28 - The defining moment that set Stephen on his path
07:35 - Stephen’s biggest career highlight to date
11:04 - How has your leadership style evolved over the years?
14:06 - The greatest challenges for current and future leaders within the legal sector
16:01 - What leadership and development tools have aided your progression
18:32 - Stephen’s advice on enjoying the “art of law”
Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/
Connect with your guest, Stephen Millar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millarstephen/
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/
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
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 first episode of Series 2, your host Samuel Clague, CEO and Founder of The Stephen James Partnership, speaks to Ed Poulton, Managing Partner at multinational law firm, Baker McKenzie.
Join Sam as he discusses Ed's inspiring career path from aspiring rugby player to Managing Partner.
Gain valuable career advice as Ed describes some of the challenges he faced early on, from proving himself as an associate in a new office to constantly seeking out opportunities to grow, even if outside his comfort zone.
Legal professionals at all stages will benefit from Ed's perspectives on developing leadership skills through self-awareness and empowering high-performing teams.
Those interested in building an inclusive culture will also appreciate Ed's thoughts on fostering an environment where people can be their authentic selves. The episode also provides useful guidance on gathering mentors both within and outside one's organisation to gain different perspectives.
Timestamped guide:
00:02 - Introduction to Ed Poulton
01:06 - Career paths, challenges, and international reach in law
06:41 - Professional growth, comfort zones, and leadership
12:27 - Leadership development, technology adoption, and workplace dynamics
19:44 - Navigating leadership challenges in the legal sector
27:19 - Empowerment and mentorship
35:41 - Mentorship, career development, and patience in law
Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/
Connect with your guest, Ed Poulton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-poulton-71080322/
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/
Thursday Jun 23, 2022
Thursday Jun 23, 2022
Welcome to the Black Lawyers Matter Podcast, brought to you by The Stephen James Partnership and Black Lawyers Matter.
In the fourth episode, your host Samuel Clague, CEO and Founder of The Stephen James Partnership, speaks to Leslie Zmugg, General Counsel and Secretary of the global advisory, restructuring and insolvency firm, Gordon Brothers.
In this conversation with Sam, Leslie discusses how she went from wanting to work in the nonprofit sector to becoming a leading lawyer within the bankruptcy and restructuring space.
Taking a deep dive into mentoring and how change within the industry can be accelerated, Leslie shares with Sam her personal journey of progression and the insights gained from progressing others too.
Whether it's overcoming personal challenges or spearheading change, Leslie has certainly paved a path through the legal landscape that others can follow. Thank you to Leslie for sharing her story in this episode.
Time-stamped Agenda -
01:09 – What was it that attracted you to the legal profession?
03:03 - How did you juggle the two dynamics of your personal and professional life?
04:23 – What did you legal training look like?
09:01 – Lowlights are often the making of very successful people - how did you change a career challenge into a positive?
16:45 – On the flipside, what is a career highlight from the last 10 years?
19:12 – Where does your want to be a part of a programme like Black Lawyers Matter come from and why is this important to you?
27:47 – When do you think is the best time to receive mentorship during a legal career?
44:07 – Do you think that the people who aren't Black, but are in decision making positions, can make change around Black representation within law quicker than Black people who aren't necessarily in the highest ranking positions?
51:19 – What is the one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self and why?
Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/
Connect with your guest, Leslie Zmugg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-zmugg-general-counsel/
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://blacklawyersmatter.co.uk/
And discover SJP's Search and Advisory arm here: https://stephenandjames.co.uk/
Thursday Jun 09, 2022
Thursday Jun 09, 2022
Welcome to the Black Lawyers Matter Podcast, brought to you by The Stephen James Partnership and Black Lawyers Matter.
In this episode, your host Samuel Clague, CEO and Founder of The Stephen James Partnership, is in conversation with James Libson, Managing Partner at Mishcon de Reya LLP.
An adept litigator who has worked on numerous high-profile cases over the last 20 years, James is an exceptional ally and advocator for change - through both his philanthropic pursuits and professional progression.
In his conversation with Sam, James discusses the learnings of his legal career so far; from turning a "career-ending" mistake into a valuable lesson and the importance of leaning into discomfort, to working on the R (Miller) v The Prime Minister case and how he is helping to push forward progress within the legal sector which has been "glacially slow".
This episode is an engaging and insightful listen from someone who has had a long, rich and fascinating legal career.
Time-stamped Agenda -
01:11 – It’d be great to hear more about your background and why you chose law as a career path?
04:43 - What are some of your passions outside of practising law?
06:31 – Where does your passion for these pursuits come from?
08:21 – Lowlights are often the making of very successful people - how did you change a career challenge into a positive?
14:27 – On the flipside, what is a career highlight and why is it important to you?
17:09 – Why does your passion for diversity come from?
24:12 – What has been your experience of mentorship throughout your studies and career?
29:48 – What advice would you give to managing partners who are looking at increasing black representation in law?
33:32 – What is the one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self and why?
Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/
Connect with your guest, James Libson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-libson-40319b26/
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://blacklawyersmatter.co.uk/
And discover SJP's Search and Advisory arm here: https://stephenandjames.co.uk/
Thursday May 26, 2022
Thursday May 26, 2022
Welcome to the Black Lawyers Matter Podcast, brought to you by The Stephen James Partnership and Black Lawyers Matter.
In this episode, your host Samuel Clague, CEO and Founder of The Stephen James Partnership, will be in conversation with Trevor Sterling, Senior Partner of one of the UK’s leading law firms, Moore Barlow.
As the first Black lawyer to make Senior Partner in the UK’s top 100 law firms, Trevor has truly forged his own path through the legal landscape. From chairing charities to leading award winning services, Trevor is a strong voice promoting greater equality and diversity in both the law and wider society.
In his conversation with Sam, Trevor talks through his legal career to date; from where his drive to “climb up the ladder as high as he could” came from, the value of working somewhere you can be your authentic self to smashing glass ceilings and setting legal precedents.
This episode is an engaging and insightful listen from someone who has made legal history with their career – more than once.
Time-stamped Agenda -
02:13 – It’d be great to hear more about your life outside of practising as a lawyer, Trevor?
04:18 - How did you get into the career of being a lawyer?
09:40 – What was a career lowlight, and how did you navigate that?
17:04 – From a law firm perspective, where do you get the motivation to move things more quickly?
23:23 – When you were coming through the ranks, did you have access to mentorship and if so, what did that look like?
27:51 – You’ve mentioned a couple of times about being your authentic self; how can a law firm enable other people to feel that way?
31:47 – From your perspective, what would success look like in terms of black representation of lawyers in the UK?
34:20 – I imagine that you’ve probably had several uncomfortable situations and conversations. How do you stay calm in those situations?
37:02 – What is the one piece of advice you’d give to your 17/18 year old self and why?
Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/
Connect with your guest, Trevor Sterling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-d-sterling-33841320/
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://blacklawyersmatter.co.uk/
And discover SJP's Search and Advisory arm here: https://stephenandjames.co.uk/
Thursday May 12, 2022
Thursday May 12, 2022
Welcome to the Black Lawyers Matter Podcast, brought to you by The Stephen James Partnership and Black Lawyers Matter.
In this episode, your host Samuel Clague, CEO and Founder of The Stephen James Partnership, will be in conversation with Yindi Gesinde, Partner of the prestigious international Law firm, Baker McKenzie.
To quote Yindi “having a curious mind pays dividends”, so we hope this instalment ignites curiosity so you can reap the rewards!
Specialising in dispute resolution Yindi has climbed the corporate legal career ladder, working her way up to partner level. She has also been a very active member of a number of the firm's pro bono committees, as well as sitting as part of the race and ethnicity committee.
In her conversation with Sam, Yindi talks through her legal career to date; from why she took the leap into law, the lowlights and highlights she’s encountered, to the people who have helped her along the way, it’s clear Yindi is ambitious and determined, but with plenty of sage advice.
Whether it’s determining the good advice from the bad, defining your career path or the importance of mentors, this episode is a must-listen-to for any young black professional in the legal sector, with insights for all within the legal landscape.
Time-stamped Agenda -
00:57 - How did you get into law, Yindi?
02:45 - How did you find the first couple of years being a trainee solicitor versus your expectation when you went into it?
04:40 - I get a sense that you may have had client exposure early on; was that the case?
06:08 - Did you know where you wanted to go within the firm once you qualified, or was it a case that more exposure with your rotations shaped your decision making?
08:09 - Could you give an example of a setback and how you learnt from that?
11:09 - How do you “separate the wheat from the chaff” when it comes to advise?
12:39 - Can you give me a bit more of an understanding of where your career “north star” came into play?
14:38 - Can you pinpoint a career highlight?
18:14 - Where did your passion for diversity come from?
21:10 - Can you talk me through your first experience of mentorship?
23:55 - When do think is the best time in someone’s legal career to have a mentor?
24:39 - What would be the first piece of advice you’d give to your early-stage trainee or qualified lawyer self?
26:55 - Do you have a mentor/have mentors at the moment?
Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/
Conntect with your guest. Yindi Gesinde: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yindi-gesinde/
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://blacklawyersmatter.co.uk/
And discover SJP's Search and Advisory arm here: https://stephenandjames.co.uk/
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