The Future of Law Firms

Bruce is Clayton Utz's Chief Executive Partner (Managing Partner). In this role, he is responsible for consolidating the firm's position as Australia's leading law firm and helping shape the firm's business responding to the needs of clients in a dynamic and fast-changing legal market. Bruce was previously Deputy Chief Executive Partner (2014-2020) responsible for the Clients & Markets and International aspects of the business, a role that reflects his significant legal industry experience in Australia and internationally. Before joining Clayton Utz, Bruce worked offshore with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, of which he was a partner since the late 90's. As a practitioner, Bruce has specialised in energy, project and infrastructure work across a broad spectrum, with sectoral expertise in power, oil and gas, water, transport and mining. He has acted for leading developers and consortia on energy and infrastructure assets, and for lenders and borrowers on large-scale limited recourse transactions. He has particular experience advising on project finance and commodity finance, as well as restructurings and work-outs for borrowers and lending groups on large project deals. Bruce is an active supporter of art and performance in Australia, In 2017 he initiated the Clayton Utz Art Partnership, an industry-first collaboration between Clayton Utz and established and emerging artists. He is also Deputy Chair of the Australian String Quartet.

Rob founded Cambridge Strategy Group in 2012. For nearly twenty years, his advisory work has focused mostly on law firms ranging from some of the largest in the world, down to quite modest sized businesses. In recent years he has also advised accounting firms, other kinds of professional services firms and regulators (the latter on strategies for special economic zones.) Prior to that, he managed a consulting firm in South Africa which he founded and grew over the course of a decade into one of the preeminent businesses of its kind in the region, with a total headcount of nearly 100 people. In 2010-11, he was an in-house business strategist with Linklaters (in London.) Before joining Linklaters, Rob lived in and worked from The Bahamas for four years, working mostly at that time with U.S. law firms. Rob is past co-chair of the International Bar Association (IBA)’s Law Firm Management Committee and he served on the steering committee of the IBA’s Presidential Task Force on the Future of Legal Services. He is also a past chair of the American Bar Association’s International Law Practice Management Forum. He is a founding co-chair of the IBA’s signature ‘Building the law firm of the future’ conference held in London each November. He has co-authored eight books on law firm strategy and management topics and is currently busy with a ninth. Besides his mainstream strategy and business consulting work, Rob’s practice increasingly involves advising firms on digital alignment of their business models with the emerging legal needs of clients who are being disrupted as the ‘4th Industrial Revolution’ gathers momentum. He is a prolific writer and speaker on this topic. As part of his own ‘pro bono’ work, Rob plays a leading role in IBA initiatives to enhance business management practices among smaller law firms in sub-Saharan Africa. This has involved work so far in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Rob holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Henley Management College in the United Kingdom. He is currently undertaking a PhD research project with the Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow, on value creation in large law firm mergers over the past two decades.

Anne is the Lead Partner of our HM Connect network and heads up our Business Development Team. HM Connect is a referral and support network for high street and rural law firms which operates via Harper Macleod offering its full complement of legal services and expertise to such law firms on a fee-sharing, non-client poaching basis. HM Connect has over 375 member firms throughout Scotland. Anne set up HM Connect in 2008 and has since developed HM Connect into Scotland's leading referral network, with over 30% of all legal firms in Scotland. Anne also coordinates the Australia country desk, part of Harper Macleod's international offering. Anne is a Council Member for the Glasgow & Strathkelvin Constituency of the Law Society of Scotland and sits on the Client Protection Fund Committee and the Professional Practice Committee of the Law Society of Scotland. Anne is also a member of the organising committee for the Marie Curie Brain Game Black Tie Quiz. Anne won the title of "Up & Coming Lawyer of the Year" at the Law Awards of Scotland 2010 and was part of the team which was awarded "Energy Team of the Year" at the Scottish Legal Awards 2011 and 2013, Anne is also the co-founder and organiser of the Scottish Highland Renewable Energy Conference (SHREC). Anne led her team to a finalist position for "Best Business Development Team" at The Lawyer Management Awards 2013 in London and won Support team of the Year award at the Scottish Legal Awards 2016. Qualifications: LLB (Hons) Dip LP NP Qualified: 2007 Joined the firm: 2005

Zulon advises professional services firms on corporate and partnership matters. Zulon has particular expertise in transactional work and regularly advises senior management in professional services firms on a broad range of sensitive and strategically important issues, including: mergers and acquisitions LLP conversions internal restructuring LLP and partnership agreements partner remuneration/profit sharing international network structures (including Swiss verein structures) joint ventures/associations and partner lateral hires, team moves, restrictive covenants and partner exits

Stephen specialises in privatisations, and debt and equity securities offerings, especially those with cross-border elements, and has worked on listings on over 15 different stock exchanges. He also has extensive experience of cross-border M&A transactions and advising on regulatory and corporate governance issues. Stephen regularly trains boards on corporate governance best practice. Stephen has acted for buyers, sellers, targets, financial advisers and management boards, and sees issues from all perspectives. He has broad sector experience and, as a 'hands-on' partner, gets fully involved in all drafting and negotiations. Known for his global perspective and local knowledge, Stephen has practised in the United States, throughout Europe and in Asia, working on transactions in over 50 countries.

Sherrards Solicitors’ London based Head of Litigation Paul Marmor is a 'vastly experienced' litigator (Legal 500) and undertakes large-scale, complex commercial litigation, including a broad mix of contractual, IT, intellectual property, financial and fraud-related work. Much of Paul's work is international, cross-border and City-related. He also has a growing arbitration practice, and is active in all forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution, including mediation, and has experience of cross border depositions, international debt recovery and the enforcement of foreign judgments in the UK. 'He's very good at anticipating the next move and what's around the corner.' (Client sources quote from the Chambers 2015 guide to the leg

I am a Partner and co-Founder of Lexington Consultants, advising law firms globally on their strategy and organisation. I am also a member of the Möller Institute at the University of Cambridge, a Fellow of The Institute of Coaching at the McLean Medical School, University of Harvard and the President of the Advisory Board of LawWithoutWalls. Over the last 25 years I have assisted more than 70 top law firms as they address their most difficult challenges. Annually I also deliver development workshops to more than 1,000 law firm partners. A lawyer by training, I completed an MBA in legal services before assisting one of the London law firms on their global expansion.

Itzik Amiel is the global leading authority on business networking, business development, personal branding & relations capital. He is a growth strategy expert and client relationships advisor to many leading law firms globally. Itzik is a sought after International professional speaker, trainer, Business mentor & Attorney-at-law. He is also the bestselling author of “The Attention Switch” [attentonswitch.com]. The book has been recognized as the leading book and deep-dive instruction manual every professional needs to have to leverage the power of authentic connections and to uncover the best building relationships and networking strategies. Itzik successfully helps professionals (lawyers, accountants), business executives, firms, and associations create and maintain a successful and strategic relationship; Help professionals build their personal brand boost their authority, and stand-out; Switch Relations to Revenue, Referrals, and Results & follow up. Itzik does so by providing internationally public speaking, training & personal or group mentoring through innovative online and offline programs. Itzik is the founder & CEO of The SWITCH™ The SWITCH HUB™, the leading online training and community platform for professionals globally. Itzik organize and curate since 2005 many of the best global leading legal & accounting online summits, including the legal business development summit, women-in-law rainmakers summit, Legal project management summit, legal sales and service summit, intelligence in business & many more. Itzik delivered over few thousands of keynote presentations and executive briefings in more than 69 countries worldwide. His keynote presentations, training and business mentoring combine in an interactive way practical knowledge with unique how-to’s and unforgettable stories. His presentations & keynote speeches are truly a memorable experience. Itzik has shared the stage with world’s premier thought-leaders including sir Richard Branson, Les Brown, Darren Hardey, Mark Victor Hansen, Steve Wozniak (apple co-founder); Marianna Williamson, Chris Gardner, Robert Kiyosaki, Nick Vujicic and Tom Hopkins Itzik honed his skills during his corporate career at prominent firms such as ABN AMRO Bank, Moore Stephens, international law firms & leading trust companies. Itzik holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) cum laude and an Advanced Master of Laws (LL.M.) in international taxation. He is the founder and first chair of Young IFA (International Fiscal Association), Chair of IBA LFMC Business Development & Marketing subcommittee & officer of Future of Legal Professional President’s commission. He is a member of many professional associations, a former board member international ambassador of the CRM Association. More at: itzikamiel.com |hub.theswit.ch

David has been working in tax and legal publishing for 25 years. In September 2008, he took over as Publishing Director for The Legal 500 – which now spans The Legal 500 UK, EMEA, US, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Deutschland, The Legal 500 Paris, Canada and Caribbean. The Legal 500 portfolio has extended in recent years to now cover the GC Powerlist series, GC magazine, The Legal 500 Jobs, fivehundred magazine, International Comparative Guides, and over 150 events in 50 countries. In March 2019, David became a member of the advisory board at the Association of Corporate Counsel Alliance, and was named in the “1,000 Global leaders and influencers in legal business” in 2018.

As the chief marketing officer at two of the world’s most successful law firms, and as a national marketing professional at a global management consultancy, Deborah Farone has mastered the skills of professional services marketing, business development and communications. With expertise in creating strategic firm-wide marketing programs in the U.S. and abroad, Deborah brings a diverse range of skills to each unique situation her clients face. She is also the author of the book "Best Practices in Law Firm Business Development and Marketing" (PLI 2019) and is a regular columnist for Forbes. Deborah was the first person to be hired to create and operate a marketing program for Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, acknowledged as one of the country’s most admired law firms and is one of the CMOs recognized for helping to found the business development and communications profession at law firms. Her clients have included some of the country’s leading law firms, jury consultants and professional advisors. In addition to her highly regarded work for law firms in the strategic marketing and communications counseling spheres, she has established and led marketing and business development efforts in management consulting, advertising and public relations firms. Deborah was nominated by her peers as the first recipient of the Legal Marketing Association’s Legacy Award in recognition of her contribution to the profession. She has lectured in the U.S. and in Europe, taught numerous marketing classes and has served on the faculty of New York University.

Nadège Nguyen is a partner in Gide's Mergers & Acquisitions/Corporate practice group. Her practice covers domestic and cross-border acquisitions and corporate matters, in particular in the industrial, hotel and agribusiness, food & beverage sectors, as well as private equity. Nadège Nguyen recently advised KPS Capital Partners on the acquisition of Winoa, Angelo Gordon on the acquisition of a portfolio of hotels from Gecina and AccorHotels in relation to its joint venture with SNCF on the brand Orient Express. She also advises on a regular basis Pernod Ricard and Air France. Nadège has been elected Chair of Lex Mundi in 2013 and is a member of Gide's Management Committee.

Prof. Dr. Jörg K. Menzer is responsible for the coordination of Noerr’s practice for international clients in Romania, and heads the Bucharest office in the CEE region. He specializes in M&A transactions and con-centrates on structuring major foreign investments in Romania. He has experience in acquisitions, pri-vatizations and greenfield investments, based on his knowledge of the business and legal environment in region, especially in Romania. In addition, Jörg K. Menzer has worked on many restructurings, private equity investments and capital measures, as well as for public listed companies. He has contributed since 2000 to strategic market entries, greenfield projects, business expansions or state aid projects of various listed multinational corporations, financial & strategic investors, other premium European & international companies, and also major Far-Eastern industrial investors. Due to his strategic role, he has also been involved in governmental affair processes during all these in-vestments in the region, especially in Romania. Most of the projects Mr. Menzer advised on, had an economic impact in CEE and Romania and led to the development either of certain regions or in specific industries.

General Counsel - Regions at Network Rail and founder of The O Shaped Lawyer Programme As General Counsel for the Regions team at Network Rail, I lead a talented team committed to delivering an excellent service to the business. Central to our commitment to exceeding our customers’ expectations is a fundamental understanding that we put our people first, always. It is this pursuit of excellence through the well-being and engagement of the team that led me to form The O Shaped Lawyer Programme. Whilst the legal profession has always been known for its technical excellence, it is seldom seen as a profession that places the same level of importance on the engagement and development of its people. That is why the ‘O’ came about - to recognise that success requires a holistic approach. More rounded and engaged lawyers make for better lawyers and ultimately a profession which better serves its customers. I want the ‘O’ to be the driving force to making this happen.

Nadège Nguyen is a partner in Gide's Mergers & Acquisitions/Corporate practice group. Her practice covers domestic and cross-border acquisitions and corporate matters, in particular in the industrial, hotel and agribusiness, food & beverage sectors, as well as private equity. Nadège Nguyen recently advised KPS Capital Partners on the acquisition of Winoa, Angelo Gordon on the acquisition of a portfolio of hotels from Gecina and AccorHotels in relation to its joint venture with SNCF on the brand Orient Express. She also advises on a regular basis Pernod Ricard and Air France. Nadège has been elected Chair of Lex Mundi in 2013 and is a member of Gide's Management Committee.

Rolandas Valiūnas has more than 30 years of experience in advising multiple market leading international and local companies. Through participation in activities of the boards of most Lithuania-based associations and organisations and as a member of the working groups formed by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, Rolandas Valiūnas actively contributes to attracting foreign investments and improving the legal framework and business environment of Lithuania. Rolandas Valiūnas is a respected attorney abroad too - he was the European Forum Liaison Officer of the International Bar Association (IBA). Currently he holds the office of a Senior Vice Chair of the Law Firm Management Committee (LFMC) of the International Bar Association.

Roselyn is a well known and experienced American and French attorney-at-law in her field: Specialized in international labor and employment law matters. Fluent in French, Spanish, and English. Based in Paris, France.

Paul Browne combines a wealth of experience in international M&A and post merger integration with an intellectual drive and curiosity that he can now focus on executive education and research. He has the credibility of a highly successful international career in both banking and professional services and brings strong intellectual rigour combined with an infectious enthusiasm to both his research and teaching. On culture change in banking, he designed, led and implemented a culture change in Barclays UK covering 43,000 people that was singled out by the Group Barclays CEO as a global highlight of the year. Managing culture change is an often over-looked aspect of post merger integration where the theory and practice has tended to focus on governance, positions of power, and operational platforms. It is however vital to the success of the merger. On M&A, Paul has been involved with over twenty acquisitions and personally led the post merger integration work at both Standard Chartered Bank and Pinsent Masons. On strategy, Paul’s early training was at Bain & Company and he has also delivered successful firm-wide strategies at Barclays, Standard Chartered, Abbey National as in house strategy. As a strategy consultant, his clients have included Diageo, Pinsent Masons, Skipton Building Society, American Express and many others. Paul has also advised and led international expansion- for example credit card entry into South Korea (a joint McKinsey / Standard Chartered Bank team); entry into Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire; evaluating a potential bank privatization in Tanzania; and a law firm evaluating Asian expansion options, culminating in a new Singapore office. Academically, Paul completed his MBA jointly from Manchester Business School and HEC, Paris, also attending an executive programme at Harvard Business School which entailed study at Harvard, in China, and in Singapore as well as analyzing opportunities in India. His undergraduate degree was in Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Trinity College, Oxford, Churchill College’s sister college. Paul takes a data-driven approach to solving problems, informed by his wide experience and a strong thirst for new insights and approaches to analysing and solving problems.

Jacob is President and Partner for Profitable Ideas Exchange, and he is responsible for day-to-day operations including service delivery, workforce management, and business development. He has led groups of Chief Operating Officers, Chief Marketing Officers, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Information Officers, and others on behalf of a variety of clients including Accenture, CSC, Protiviti, SAP, Thomson Reuters, McKinsey, Deloitte, Pfizer, CapGemini, and 3M. Mr. Parks is also responsible for overseeing PIE’s research and thought leadership division which contributes to premier publications throughout the globe. He is the author of Never Say Sell (Wiley, 2020), a guide for professional services firms on how they can expand their commercial relationships with clients. He has served as an adjunct professor of business at Montana State University, earned an MBA at Gonzaga University, and is a frequent speaker at business events. He can be reached at jmparks@profitableideas.com.

Michael has a long-standing love of learning and development and a passion for law. With 17 years as a litigator (seven as a partner in private practice) and over 15 years at Kissing With Confidence he is at the leading edge of business development for lawyers. He has worked with lawyers, all over the UK and internationally to the highest levels - from one-to-one to one to many, helping them to develop their BD skills and win more business. He is also key to the continuous development of our programmes. Michael knows exactly how you get the most out of a tired and demanding group of partners on a long afternoon. He has astonishing energy in front of a group, so believes in relaxing as often as is feasible. This includes motorbikes, kit cars, model airplanes, running, canoeing and drinking sauvignon blanc. All done every weekend, with his wife and kids, in a small village in north-west Scotland.