How Leading a Global Law Firm in an Era of AI Talent and Constant Change with Kath Roberts

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Kath Roberts, Chair of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and co-chair of the firm’s Global Board, about leading a large law firm through change. They examine the client and people skills behind successful partnership, the governance role of a chair, AI’s effect on legal training, and how firms can support lateral hires. Kath traces her journey from professional negligence litigation to managing financial services work, leading the Cardiff office and becoming chair after 30 years with the firm. Her experience of changing practice direction, managing teams and working across a global firm informs her view that adaptable careers, thoughtful supervision and empowered teams are essential to sustainable legal leadership. Expect to Learn: How embracing an unexpected career change can reveal strengths that a linear career path may not. Why strong client relationships and strong people skills are equally fundamental to successful partnership. How firms can use AI while continuing to invest in supervision, feedback and the development of future experts. The role of cultural alignment, shared strategy and ongoing effort in making a global firm relationship work. How a clear business case, focused early plan and sustained support can help lateral hires succeed. Why empowerment requires both playing to your strengths and enabling others to contribute theirs. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] – Teaser [01:13] – Welcome & Introduction to Beyond Billables with Kath Roberts [05:30] – The Contested Chair Election: Five Candidates and Hustings [08:44] – What Makes a Successful Partner: Clients, People, and People Skills [13:40] – Constant Change: From No Computers to AI Transformation [19:36] – Why Accountants Took PE and Lawyers Haven't (Yet) [24:55] – When Plans Change: Client Contacts Move, and New Opportunities Emerge [31:54] – Best Moments: 25-Year Client Relationship and Watching People Grow [35:45] – Career Longevity: Why People Want to Stay and Why It's Overstated [39:29] – Future Factors: Geopolitics, AI, and Responding with Resilience [41:35] – Three Non-Negotiables: Over-Deliver, Empathy, and Enjoy the Journey [43:43] – Closing Remarks and Thanks Connect with Kath Roberts: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-roberts-3404253/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eversheds-sutherland/home/ Company’s Website: https://www.eversheds-sutherland.com/en/global Connect with Stephen Rodney: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/ Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/ Connect with IntoGreat Coaching: Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/ Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l