'Some firms won't survive': Simmons senior partner Julian Taylor on the legal AI reckoning, NQ pay wars and the US firm challenge

Aug 12, 2025

Julian Taylor, a senior partner at Simmons & Simmons and a respected employment lawyer with over 25 years of experience, delves into the future of legal practice. He discusses the transformative role of AI in law, from enhancing workflows with tools like 'Percy' to reshaping pricing models. Taylor highlights the unsustainable 'crazy' pay for newly qualified lawyers and the competitive landscape driven by US firms. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and culture, advocating for flexible work arrangements as essential for long-term success.

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INSIGHT

Tech As Core Business Strategy

Simmons treats technology and innovation as core, not a bolt-on support function.
Embedding tech across teams changes how legal services are designed and delivered.

ANECDOTE

Percy Used Live On Calls

Julian described a junior using Percy for almost every task and starting work from the tool.
He recounted producing a one-page summary of a 50-page document live during a call using Percy.

ADVICE

Rework Pricing To Reflect AI Value

Do renegotiate pricing models with clients to reflect AI-driven efficiencies and tech investment.
Build conversations around value pricing and include tech costs in fee discussions.

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Julian Taylor is senior partner at Simmons & Simmons and one of the City’s most highly regarded employment lawyers. He’s spent over 25 years at the firm and has had a front-row seat to the transformation of the legal profession. In this episode, he shares candid views on the forces reshaping the industry, from the rise of AI to the battle for the best talent.

Julian explains how Simmons is embedding AI into its work - from in-house tools like “Percy” to partnerships with legal tech providers - and why firms that fail to adapt could struggle to survive. He also talks about how AI is changing pricing models, client expectations, and the types of work law firms can take on.

Julian calls newly qualified lawyer pay in some parts of the market “crazy”, warns about the talent market distortions it creates, and explains why Simmons takes a different approach to competing for junior lawyers. He also reflects on the impact of US firms in London and how their intense profitability targets are reshaping the market.

We finish with a discussion on culture and flexibility - including the unique part-time arrangement Julian has maintained for nearly two decades - and why he believes adaptability and openness to change are now non-negotiable for any lawyer building a long-term career.

Chapters

00:01 Introduction

01:15 Julian’s Background and Career

03:21 Simmons' Financial Performance and Sector Focus

06:33 The Role of AI in Law

11:15 Pricing and Client Expectations in the Age of AI

15:10 Building vs. Buying Legal Tech Solutions

19:13 The Future of AI in the Legal Profession

24:58 Training the Next Generation of Lawyers

28:37 Attracting and Retaining Talent in a Changing Landscape

32:39 Flexible Work Arrangements and Work-Life Balance

37:45 ‘Crazy’ NQ Pay And The Impact of US Firms on the Legal Market

43:05 Looking Ahead: Goals for the Future

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