Best Inhouse Legal Podcasts (2026)

1
BONUS episode: Taylor Wessing’s big US gamble 32:24

Play Pause

21d ago32:24

32:24

Send us a text As if 2025 needed just another little dollop of big legal news, Taylor Wessing and Winston & Strawn are set to become the fourth major transatlantic merger in two and a half years. So The Lawyer Podcast is back for an unexpected bonus episode as they talk through the announcement. The second transatlantic tie-up in a month, the team …

1
Why 2025 marked a turning point for the business of law 35:00

26d ago35:00

35:00

Send us a text As 2025 draws to a close, it feels like 2025 has been an inflection point for the legal sector. While firm financials largely look good, fundamental changes are underway on both sides of the Atlantic. Technology, investment, mergers and even politics all shook the business of law this year. So for the final episode of The Lawyer Podc…

1
Navigating Liability and AI in Contracts 48:49

27d ago48:49

48:49

Jessica and Natalia of DocuSign interview Laura Belmont, General Counsel at Civis Analytics. They discuss the complexities of commercial contracts, as well as data breaches, liability, indemnification, and how AI is impacting legal agreements. Laura describes defining and negotiating data breach clauses, standardizing security terms, and the risks …

1
The unfiltered take on the Ashurst Perkins Coie merger 31:09

1M ago31:09

31:09

Send us a text Unlike A&O’s tie up with Shearman and Sterling, Ashurst’s announcement that it had agreed a merger did not come as a surprise. The firm had been in the market for a US-merger for more than two decades, yet its new partner, Perkins Coie, did still come as a bit of a surprise. The silver circle firm clearly needed to make its move, but…

1
Merger mania hits New York 33:40

2M ago33:40

33:40

Send us a text The Lawyer’s editor Catrin Griffiths and director of insight Matt Byrne are back from a fact-finding mission in New York, and merger mania is gripping the city’s lawyers. As firms seek scale, reach and private capital clients, some of the oldest firms in the Big Apple are pondering how a tie up could help their bottom line. And while…

1
Let's tax all the lawyers! 28:40

2M ago28:40

28:40

Send us a text Tax rises for partnerships may be on the way in next month’s Budget – and potentially big ones at that. Many lawyers were left shocked after the news broke last week that the Government is considering adding the equivalent of employer’s national insurance onto partnerships. So on the new episode of The Lawyer Podcast, we ask what tha…

1
Private equity: a poisoned chalice? 34:34

3M ago34:34

34:34

Send us a text Private equity investment in law firms has accelerated in the past 12 months. Essentially every UK200 law firm in the country has been approached, and many have already accepted the opportunity. Now the question is whether firms at the top of the market might join in. But is it actually a good idea? Can law firms offer the rapid turn…

1
UK 200 special: The most interesting firms in the top 100 26:20

3M ago26:20

26:20

Send us a text The Lawyer's UK200: Top 100 report, sponsored by Legora, is out and it contains 100 stories of firms forging ahead or falling behind. But which are the most interesting of all? In this week's episode of The Lawyer Podcast we dive into the sea of data and analysis that is the UK200 report and come up clutching four firms that are part…

1
The Reporting Line: Does Your GC's Boss Really Matter? 52:05

3M ago52:05

52:05

Jessica, Jim and Victoria Harvey, Chief Legal Officer at Smile Brands, Inc., dive into the complexities of reporting structures for General Counsels (GCs), discussing the pros and cons of reporting to CEOs versus CFOs, and the broader impacts on a legal department's influence within an organization. --------- Key Quotes: Once when you're reporting…

1
Calling all gardeners - your firm needs you! 26:14

4M ago26:14

26:14

Send us a text Gardening has transformed from an old-fashioned past-time to a popular trend in the past few years, and now, even law firms are getting in on the action. Firms like Eversheds, Switalskis and CANDEY are leading the charge, but there is so much more that could be done. After all, who wants to look at a grey bit of concrete all day. So …

1
Why it was a hot debunching summer - and what else you missed on your holidays 27:10

4M ago27:10

27:10

Send us a text The kids are back in school, the clouds are rolling in, and offices across the land are filling up with lawyers returning from their holidays. And just in time, The Lawyer Podcast is back after the summer break. But just like in Westminster, it was far from a quiet summer for the legal sector. So on our first episode back, we bring y…

1
How AI disrupts the law firm model 52:30

4M ago52:30

52:30

Ken, Jessica, and Jenny Hamilton, CLO of Exterro, discuss AI’s potential in the legal profession. They dive into their favorite tools and how to apply them, as well as the importance of human oversight to ensure accuracy and compliance. Jenny also shares strategies for driving adoption within her team and making sure new tech meets the needs of her…

1
Are the New York elite finished? 33:38

5M ago33:38

33:38

Send us a text There is a radical reconfiguration taking place in the world of BigLaw that may make terms like magic circle or white shoe firm obsolete. The transatlantic, private capital corridor between New York and London is now the stamping ground for some of the world’s best and most profitable law firms - firms that The Lawyer are now calling…

1
Future-Proofing your Legal Department 1:00:34

5M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

Sandy MacDonnell, Head of Legal Ops at DocuSign, and Krysta Johnson, Senior Legal Ops Evangelist at DocuSign, highlight the importance of metrics, data, and AI in transforming the legal profession from cost center to strategic, growth-oriented role. Sandy and Krysta both stress the need for adaptability at a time of rapid tech changes, as well as b…

1
The runny poop problem is law's next battleground 29:29

6M ago29:29

29:29

Send us a text As the government launches a sweeping review into parental leave, The Lawyer Podcast takes a look at the challenges faced by parents and other carers working in the legal sector. Are firms pulling their weight? Are men? How far have we come and what more can be done? SHOW NOTES The Lawyer's Working Parents Report can be read here.…

1
Freshfields, Lewis Silkin and the C-word 37:06

6M ago37:06

37:06

Send us a text Lewis Silkin and Freshfields are two very different law firms. But they now have one thing in common – they won one of the two big awards at The Lawyer Awards 2025 last week. Now, The Lawyer Podcast is not typically a podcast to gush and coo. But with Lewis Silkin taking home UK firm of the year this year, and Freshfields winning Tra…

1
Paul Weiss’s growth is just the tip of the iceberg 33:26

7M ago33:26

33:26

Send us a text We have never seen such rapid investment in the London legal market like Paul Weiss’s recruitment spree since 2023. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, the firm's London headcount tripled and its estimated turnover grew by more than 550 per cent. But that was just the start of the story for US firms in London over the last financial year, a…

1
Have litigation funders been chasing a busted flush? 27:05

7M ago27:05

27:05

Send us a text On the surface, litigation funding and class actions are booming in the UK. Over the past five years, dozens of class actions have been filed in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) and just at the start of this month, a new £5bn action was filed against Google. The 60 cases now in the CAT are said to be worth more than £160bn. And …

1
What law firms aren’t telling you about AI 31:19

8M ago31:19

31:19

Send us a text News broke last week that the first ever AI law firm had been given the green light by the SRA. The rush by law firms to adopt Artificial Intelligence has been the standout feature of the past two years. But amongst all the hype, the promises, the bizarre naming of internal chat bots (we’re looking at you, Mishcon de Reya), it’s diff…

1
Reinventing Your Legal Career 1:00:49

8M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Todd Smithline, CEO of Bonterms, describes the importance of developing skills that go beyond your legal expertise. Salesmanship, project management, and information synthesis all lend themselves to adaptability in both legal and non-legal roles. He describes the value of feedback, how to offer value to your clients, and how to stay positive. Bonte…

1
Trump v BigLaw, part three: Where's your line in the sand? 54:50

8M ago54:50

54:50

Send us a text Trump’s attacks on some of America’s most famous law firms has set in motion a chain of events that has thrown the world of BigLaw into chaos. In episode three of The Lawyer Podcast's mini-series on Trump v BigLaw, Christian, Catrin and Richard assess what the crisis means for the junior members of the legal profession. The team spea…

1
Trump v BigLaw, part two: Deal or no deal? 50:33

8M ago50:33

50:33

Send us a text Trump’s attacks on some of America’s most famous law firms has set in motion a chain of events that has thrown the world of BigLaw into chaos. On this second episode of our podcast mini-series, Catrin, Christian and Richard look at how firm managements are responding to Trump’s targeting. The team speaks to former Ashurst senior part…

1
Trump v BigLaw, part one: Crisis 1:06:07

9M ago1:06:07

1:06:07

Send us a text Trump’s attacks on some of America’s most famous law firms has set in motion a chain of events that has thrown the world of BigLaw into chaos. Across the course of three episodes, The Lawyer Podcast will be talking to figures across the political and legal spectrum on both sides of the Atlantic, from Trump supporters to liberal acade…

1
The Art of Decision Ownership 46:19

9M ago46:19

46:19

Our hosts and Erin Abrams, Chief Legal Officer at Via, discuss the role of in-house counsel in business decision-making. Erin emphasizes collaboration, early involvement, and building a culture of trust and safety within legal teams. Via builds innovative software to enable our customers — cities, transit agencies, transport operators, school distr…

1
Your firm may not be interested in private equity, but private equity is interested in your firm 27:21

9M ago27:21

27:21

Send us a text Law firm listings are out of fashion, but private equity interest in firms has never been higher. With more deals already struck this year, The Lawyer Podcast crew sets out the state of PE investment in firms, debates the benefits and challenges of PE involvement, explores the experience of DWF, and ponders what the future will bring…

1
Could you hack it as a startup GC? 26:30

10M ago26:30

26:30

Send us a text Dynamic. Modern. Exciting. From Revolut to Bloom & Wild, Darktrace to Fever, startups are increasingly the place to be in the UK - and that is the case for lawyers too. So as the potential avenues for a career in law grow and grow, Catrin Griffiths and Christian Smith are joined on The Lawyer Podcast by Tech Editor Lucie Cruz – and s…

1
Does Linklaters’ exit spell the end for the Magic Circle in Eastern Europe? 22:00

10M ago22:00

22:00

Send us a text Poland’s GDP per capita could surpass Japan’s next year and may exceed the UK’s by the end of the decade. Such statistics help explain why the Eastern European nation is seeing an influx of international business - and legal work. Addleshaw Goddard is to take over Linklaters’ office in Warsaw in April, Clyde & Co is keenly poaching f…

1
Legal’s Role in Mitigating Cybersecurity Risks 42:05

10M ago42:05

42:05

Aaron Kornblum, head of legal at Oleria, discusses why security functions are increasingly important for legal departments. Aaron covers the evolution of security threats (from hacking to phishing to smishing), and describes the importance of identity management. Listen for insights on integrating security practices, fostering accountability, and l…

1
Absolute scenes: Freshfields, Willkie and how Merricks v Mastercard bankrolled the litigation market 29:34

10M ago29:34

29:34

Send us a text £20m is a number most recently associated with top private equity partners, but that’s the amount a team from Willkie Farr & Gallagher has been paid for its work on the iconic Merricks v Mastercard litigation. Now as the case wraps up, Catrin and Christian are joined by deputy litigation editor Annabel Tinson to discuss the story beh…

1
Law firm sustainability in the age of Trump 32:43

11M ago32:43

32:43

Send us a text As Donald Trump and his allies put corporate ESG on both sides of the Atlantic in their crosshairs, is now the time for law firms to stand up and prove that their sustainability programmes are not just all for lip service? To mark the launch of The Lawyer’s Sustainability Hub, the podcast team discuss the future of law firm sustainab…

1
Mastering Influence as Legal 44:38

11M ago44:38

44:38

In legal leadership, credibility is key. In this episode, we’ll discuss the importance of earning and maintaining influence. Lisa Keith, General Counsel for Steve Madden, emphasizes aligning legal counsel with your business’ goals, and how legal professionals can effectively take part in business decisions. Tune in to gain practical advice on enhan…

1
Trailer 0:54

11M ago0:54

0:54

The best in-house legal teams aren’t just legal. They help their organizations solve complex issues, make the right decisions, and even grow their businesses. That’s right, legal isn’t just a cost center. In-House is a podcast featuring top leaders in the legal industry. Tune in as Jessica Nguyen, award-winning Deputy General Counsel of AI Innovati…

1
We need to talk about Latham 31:58

11M ago31:58

31:58

Send us a text Losing more than a dozen partners in a year isn’t good for any firm, but it’s particularly bad if you are a top of the market type practice like Latham & Watkins. But after such a stumble in London and across Europe last year, which saw the firm recalibrate its partner remuneration and bonus structure to hold on to top talent, the ti…

1
When litigation gets big, who you gonna call? 25:00

12M ago25:00

25:00

Send us a text The Lawyer Podcast is back with for 2025! Every January for the past 15 years, The Lawyer has published its Top 20 Cases to look out for in the coming year. Each year’s list boasts of the skill and depth of the legal market, and the high drama of the English courts. So what makes this year different, and what can it tell us about the…

1
Christmas Special: Is someone you know a workaholic? 30:30

1y ago30:30

30:30

Send us a text It's less than a week until Christmas and across the country, fires are blazing, trees are twinkling and pigs in blankets are roasting. But in offices, lawyers still have their noses to the grindstone. For those who celebrate it, the Christmas break can be a time to put your feet up and relax. But many still need to work over the fes…

1
Five smaller firms to watch for good or for ill 32:39

1y ago32:39

32:39

Send us a text Editors Catrin Griffiths, Christian Smith and Richard Simmons are back to reveal the five firms in the second hundred of the UK200 they are watching in the coming years – for good or for ill. Tune in as we discuss firms from around the country: RBG, Lawrence Stephens, Enyo Law, FBC Manby Bowdler and Simpson Millar. And please remembe…

1
The HSF merger: Two firms do not a transatlantic powerhouse make 31:00

1y ago31:00

31:00

Send us a text The announcement that Herbert Smith Freehills would merge with US firm Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel has got chins wagging across the transatlantic market. But is this a new mega-firm in the vein of A&O Shearman, a shrewd building block for HSF to make advances in the US, or a bit of an anti-climax? What is clear is that HSF will n…

1
How Kirkland is shaking up the European order 25:03

1y ago25:03

25:03

Send us a text It is a moment of change for the European legal market. With firms like Kirkland and Paul Hastings making major recent moves in the EU, US firms are starting to seriously disrupt the European order. This is most visible in Germany, France and the Nordics. So on this episode of the The Lawyer Podcast, our international editor Alex Tay…

1
UK 200 Special: What we really think of Freshfields, BCLP and Osborne Clarke 30:10

1y ago30:10

30:10

Send us a text In part two of our two-part podcast series, celebrating the 20th edition of The Lawyer's UK200, editors Catrin Griffiths, Christian Smith, Matt Byrne, Katy Dowell and Richard Simmons are back to reveal the five firms they are watching in the coming years – for good or for ill. With a list of 200 law firms, it’s not difficult to find …

1
UK 200 Special: UK law firms fight back 28:26

1+ y ago28:26

28:26

Send us a text If this year's UK200 is anything to go by, the majority of UK law firms are in robust health. Indeed, they are finally fighting back against the growth of US competitors. So why are so many upending their partnership models? In part one of our two part podcast series celebrating the 20th edition of The Lawyer's UK200, editors Catrin …

1
Is the A&O Shearman honeymoon over? 30:56

1+ y ago30:56

30:56

Send us a text Last week, A&O Shearman set out post-merger plans to close its legacy Allen & Overy base in Johannesburg, reduce its partnership by 10 per cent by the end of the financial year, and sell its consultancy business Consulting by A&O Shearman. So is this a sign of things already going wrong, or is this all par for the course for big merg…

1
Why lawyers now control football 34:50

1+ y ago34:50

34:50

Send us a text Football law has typically been the domain of sports specialists. However, in recent years, there has been a growing number of large, elite firms and chambers entering the football market. Clifford Chance and Freshfields act for Manchester City, and Slaughter and May and Linklaters represent the Premier League. Latham and Watkins wor…

1
Qualification: the end of your career? 26:45

1+ y ago26:45

26:45

Send us a text The associate recruitment market has tightened up over the past year or two. For trainees looking to qualify, that means finding a home in their preferred practice area is more difficult too. But qualification and, specifically, which team you qualify into, can be one of the most crucial moments in a solicitor’s career. So on the fin…

1
The Election Special 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

Send us a text Labour won. Now what? As Sir Keir Starmer walks into Downing Street, The Lawyer Podcast boils up a vat of coffee and brings you an election results show for lawyers. With special guests including former Clifford Chance partner and tax celebrity Dan Neidle, we discuss which lawyers are in and out of Parliament after a night of change,…

1
Addleshaws and the myths of the mid-market 31:45

1+ y ago31:45

31:45

Send us a text The doom of the middle market has long been foretold. As global mergers grab attention and smaller, boutique firms blossom, many question whether there is any role for mid-market practices in law’s future. But, on Tuesday evening, Addleshaw Goddard marked a remarkable, decade-long turnaround as it was crowned Law Firm of the Year at …

1
WANTED: A female leader 27:05

1+ y ago27:05

27:05

Send us a text Law firms have long had a problem with gender equality. Partners and senior leaders are weighted heavily towards men, with an average of 2.35 male partner to every female partner in the UK's top 100 firms. However, that number is actually much improved on five years ago, when it was 2.83 male partners to every female. The number of f…

1
Bumble and billables: the woes of dating as a lawyer (and why partners should care) 31:00

1+ y ago31:00

31:00

Send us a text O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Last week, The Lawyer reported that time-poor lawyers are struggling to date in a profession where time is money. Longer hours for junior lawyers, compounded by a waning London dating market, is only adding to the problem. So on this episode of The Lawyer Podcast, editor Catrin Griffiths and …

1
Why you should leave Big Law for a boutique (and why you shouldn't) 30:07

1+ y ago30:07

30:07

Send us a text Last week, all eyes were on A&O Shearman, a union hailing Big Law and its future. But in this week’s episode, we consider why so many solicitors are pursuing another future: opening their own firm. A survey from Censuswide on behalf of Harbour Litigation Funding last year found that half of UK firm partners had ambitions to set up th…

1
A&O Shearman’s five biggest challenges - and worst mistake 30:00

1+ y ago30:00

30:00

Send us a text The wait is finally over. In just under a week, the transformational merger between Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling will go live. But while the deal is done, the job is only just beginning. So on this episode of The Lawyer Podcast, Catrin and Christian look at how the merger will play out in the next week, the next year and bey…

1
Emergency Episode: The SQE shambles 32:02

1+ y ago32:02

32:02

Send us a text The Lawyer's Christian Smith, Catrin Griffiths, Richard Simmons, Katy Dowell and Charlotte Lear are joined by College of Legal Practice CEO Giles Proctor for this emergency episode of The Lawyer Podcast as they discuss the latest Solicitors Qualification Exam debacle: marking errors that led to 175 students being incorrectly told the…