More Than A Lawyer with Holly Cope

Philip Young, the visionary behind Garfield.Law, discusses the groundbreaking launch of the first AI-driven law firm in England and Wales. He shares insights on the firm’s AI litigation assistant designed for small businesses and tackles key questions about the ethics of AI in law. Young elaborates on how AI can address late payments impacting SMEs and the necessity of safeguarding measures. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of legal jobs, emphasizing the potential for new roles and the partnership between technology and legal expertise.

Sleep deprivation is costing businesses billions, yet many workplaces still overlook its impact, particularly within the legal industry. The legal industry runs on high stakes and high accountability.Deadlines don’t wait.Mistakes aren’t an option.So, sleep? It’s often the first thing to go.Today, I'm sitting down with adult sleep expert, Maryanne Taylor. She's been featured on Sky News, Channel 4, Channel 5Maryanne reveals how small shifts can transform the way lawyers sleep boosting energy, focus, and performance.Find Maryanne here:https://thesleepworks.co.uk/about/ ---25 Ways To Do Law Differently- Free guideDiscover innovative, unconventional waysto build your legal career on your own terms. Whether you want more freedom or flexibility, this FREE guide offers 25 inspiring ideas to get paid for doing law in a way that works for YOU.Download now:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/25ways-to-do-law-differently  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The one-sized-fits-all mindset doesn’t work in international law.Step into another country thinking your way is the only way, and you’ll fail fast.Success in law isn’t just about knowing the rules—it’s about understanding the culture behind them.I’ve seen lawyers walk into international markets assuming they can operate like they do at home. They hit a wall. Because legal strategy, business and connections is shaped by culture.In some places, contracts mean everything. In others, personal relationships hold more weight than a signed agreement.Cultural intelligence isn’t just a “nice-to-have” skill. It’s the difference between landing clients and losing them.Today, I'm sitting down with George Summerfield, partner at K&L Gates Beijing office. He has worked in patent litigation for over 30 years and was listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for patent litigation in 2024. After a long career in the US, George decided to make a career change and move to China. We explore the challenges and insights of cross-cultural experiences, practicing law in a completely different culture, adapting to new norms, and building meaningful connections. --25 Ways To Do Law Differently- Free guideDiscover innovative, unconventional waysto build your legal career on your own terms. Whether you want more freedom or flexibility, this FREE guide offers 25 inspiring ideas to get paid for doing law in a way that works for YOU.Download now:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/25ways-to-do-law-differently  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taking a career break won’t ruin you. But staying miserable might.Lawyers panic about stepping away.The fear? That a career break means career suicide. That law firms will blacklist you. That you’ll never make it back.But here’s the truth: that mindset is outdated.The real risk isn’t taking a break.It’s burning out in a system that tells you survival is success.Today I'm sitting down with Brian Dixon, digital nomad lawyer, fractional general counsel. He offers tailored legal solutions to digital nomads and remote-first companies whilst living in Bali. We discuss this topic - is it taboo to take a career break in law or could it be your competitive advantage? --25 Ways To Do Law Differently- Free guideDiscover innovative, unconventional waysto build your legal career on your own terms. Whether you want more freedom or flexibility, this FREE guide offers 25 inspiring ideas to get paid for doing law in a way that works for YOU.Download now:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/25ways-to-do-law-differently  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do some people stay in toxic workplaces?Because sometimes, it feels familiar.If you grew up in an unsupportive or estranged family, you might have learned early on that approval and safety come at a cost. Maybe you had to compete for attention. Maybe speaking up led to punishment. Maybe you learned that keeping the peace was more important than being heard.Fast forward to your career.You enter a workplace where toxic dynamics thrive, where leaders play favourites, pit employees against each other, or make you feel like you have to prove your worth every day. And instead of seeing the red flags, you normalise them. You tolerate the dysfunction. Maybe, without realizing it, you even contribute to it.Because once upon a time, that was survival.Today I'm sitting down with Becca Bland, a journalist, researcher, and leading advocate for family estrangement awareness. She founded Stand Alone, the UK’s only non-profit for estranged individuals, and has driven groundbreaking research and policy change. Her work has been featured in The Guardian, BBC, The New York Times, and more. Today, we’re discussing how your background can shape your legal career especially when it comes to recognising (or overlooking) toxic workplaces. Why do some people stay in unhealthy work environments? And how does past experience make dysfunction feel…normal? Let’s break it down.  Find Becca here:https://www.beccabland.com/my-story --25 Ways To Do Law Differently- Free guideDiscover innovative, unconventional waysto build your legal career on your own terms. Whether you want more freedom or flexibility, this FREE guide offers 25 inspiring ideas to get paid for doing law in a way that works for YOU.Download now:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/25ways-to-do-law-differently  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are we in an AI revolution in law?Depends who you ask.Yes, law is complex.Yes, AI has limitations.Some lawyers say:“AI can’t do what I do, it took me years to get here.”“We’re not feeling the impact yet, and we won’t for a while.”Maybe. But history tells us one thing: Revolutions don’t announce themselves.By the time everyone agrees we’re in one, it’s already happened.Today myself, Holly Cope and Helen Pamely, sit down with Senior Partner at SMB, Simon Goldberg. We debate this topic, is AI taking over the legal industry?--25 Ways To Do Law Differently- Free guideDiscover innovative, unconventional waysto build your legal career on your own terms. Whether you want more freedom or flexibility, this FREE guide offers 25 inspiring ideas to get paid for doing law in a way that works for YOU.Download now:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/25ways-to-do-law-differently ---Introducing: The LinkedIn Starter Pack for LawyersThe ULTIMATE starter pack for LinkedIn for lawyers: 11 interactive tools designed to elevate your personal brand and turn connections into clients.From optimising your profile, to mastering content creation, with 30 scroll-stopping frameworks and magnetic hook formulas. Learn how to network like a pro, position yourself as the go-to expert in your niche, and never run out of content ideas with our ideation guide and strategy worksheet.https://helenpamely.com/the-linkedin-starter-pack-for-lawyers/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a study by the Law Gazette, 28% of lawyers said that their work required them to be available to clients 24/7, while 65% checked emails outside of work hours to stay on top of their tasks.The legal industry runs on high stakes and high accountability.Deadlines don’t wait.Mistakes aren’t an option.So, sleep? It’s often the first thing to go.Today, I'm sitting down with adult sleep expert, Maryanne Taylor. She's been featured on Sky News, Channel 4, and Channel 5.Maryanne reveals how small shifts can transform the way lawyers sleep boosting energy, focus, and performance. She busts common sleep myths and shares game-changing tips to help lawyers get better rest.Find Maryanne here:https://thesleepworks.co.uk/about/ ---25 Ways To Do Law Differently- Free guideDiscover innovative, unconventional waysto build your legal career on your own terms. Whether you want more freedom or flexibility, this FREE guide offers 25 inspiring ideas to get paid for doing law in a way that works for YOU.Download now:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/25ways-to-do-law-differently  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A firm's culture isn't what it says, it's what it tolerates.In this episode, I'm spotlighting some of the key leaders in law. We talk about the topic of culture in the legal industry.This episode features the following people:Simon GoldbergLet me introduce you to Simon Goldberg, senior partner of SMB (Simons Muirhead Burton), one of the law firms representing the individuals and families affected by the post office scandal.Is there tension between making money and being ethical in law and does this lead to a culture of toxicity?Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/65SA64NOBWRIyYfwz4SGbM William PeakeLet me introduce you to William Peake, the global managing partner of international law firm Harneys.We touch on how leadership can help improve the legal industry by creating a more supportive and growth-focused environment for everyone involved.Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5emMZHn8FNseul1eKbFfndGary MillerNext we have, Gary Miller, partner at Mishcon de Reya, Head of China Desk & Chair of International Fraud Group. Gary is a global asset recovery expert with 47 years of experience in uncovering and securing assets, leading cross-border teams, and driving high-stakes settlements.Many people stay in toxic work environments, believing that leaving equals failure. But in this conversation, Gary explains you're not giving up you're freeing yourself to be open to more aligned opportunities.Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/18TEmZyMvcJuNwJqxY7W7x Ian BagshawHere we have, Ian Bagshaw. Ian, an unstoppable force in the legal world, his career includes being the Co-Head of Private Equity at Linklaters and global co-head of private equity at White & Case. After retiring from law, he's back as the London Office Managing Partner of Perkins Coie.A strong culture starts with the right people, and by supporting their growth, a more positive and productive environment can be built. Talent must be nurtured.Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2tZfOpWuEZjm85zJ9vTQnG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The criminal trial system isn’t what you think.It’s about strategy. Performance. Persuasion.Courtrooms are like a stage. The best argument wins. The most compelling story can sway the jury. If you want to know how the system really works, the drama, the high-stakes decisions, and the brutal reality of justice, this episode is a must-listen.Today I'm sitting down with AX Foster, actor turned lawyer. He started out aiming to be an entertainment lawyer, but once he discovered criminal law, he was hooked.AX Foster spent 20 years as a prosecutor in Maryland before setting up his own law firm defending criminal cases.AX Foster is the author of Gavel to Gavel and his latest book Double Blind has been ranked #1 in the legal thriller category on Amazon. https://www.axfoster.com/about-ax-foster -----If you’ve ever wondered how to build a legal career that fits your lifestyle and values, I’ve created something for you."25 Ways to Do Law Differently (And Get Paid for It!)" is a free guide filled with simple, yet impactful ideas for lawyers who want more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment in their work.https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/25ways-to-do-law-differently  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burnout isn’t a personal failure. It’s a cultural failure.And the worst part? By the time you feel it, it’s already too late.Because burnout doesn’t hit like a breakdown. It creeps in quietly:You stop feeling proud of your work.Small tasks feel overwhelming.You start to wonder if you even care anymore.The problem isn’t that lawyers can’t handle pressure.So, what’s the way out? It starts with rethinking success.Because a lawyer who is well-rested, engaged, and valued will always outperform one running on empty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.