Burness Paull chairman Philip Rodney talks to The Lawyer ahead of this year’s Business Leadership Summit in association with Propero Partners, which focuses on the law firm of 2025.

Philip Rodney Burness Paull
Philip Rodney

Are there going to be fewer jobs in the legal market in 2025?

I don’t think so. The world is throwing up new and complex issues all the time which will need the input of lawyers to resolve. While I don’t think that there will be a reduction in the number of lawyers, there will be a change in the roles many fulfil. So we will see a generation of legal technologists – who will be a bridge between the law and the tech.

Will market consolidation see the rise of a “Big 4” equivalent of law firms by 2025?

No. I don’t think that there will be the same domination by a small number of firms. There is room for different shapes and strategies. We will see more firms adopting a collaborative model through the use of technology.

How best can business services teams design and implement growth strategies?

We have to understand our clients’ businesses and work with them developing our service lines to support their future plans.

Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself (in any order).

  • I once met Muhammad Ali.
  • Before qualifying as a lawyer, I was a hair model.
  • I have appeared in every Sheriff Court in Scotland.

If you had not decided to become a lawyer, what career would you have chosen?

Radio journalism.

With agile working becoming the norm, which spot in the world would you most like to work from?

Wellfleet, Massachusetts

Philip will be speaking at this year’s Business Leadership Summit on a panel discussion exploring how to achieve growth in uncertain times. For more information on the summit, a copy of the agenda, or to enquire about tickets to attend, please contact Kenan Balli on +44(0) 20 7970 4017 or kenan.balli@centaurmedia.com