Fresh off The Lawyer’s Hot 100 list, Laura Hughes (Browne Jacobson) talks about the future of law, government, and everything in between.

In this episode of But is it Legal?, Laura joins Simon Marshall to break down what’s really going on behind the scenes of English devolution, local government reform, and the rise of Combined County Authorities. From advising governments on landmark structural changes to opening Browne Jacobson’s Cardiff office, Laura shares sharp insights on the legal, political, and personal challenges shaping the UK’s next chapter.🎙️

🔥 What's included:

• Corporate aspirations to public impact: Hear how Laura found purpose in public law, and why it’s now one of the most politically charged and rewarding legal areas.
• The next decade of Public Law: Laura explains why public lawyers are about to be very busy, and how devolution, reorganisation, and funding gaps will collide across the UK.
• Behind the headlines: What really goes into creating a Combined County Authority? Laura breaks down the legal, political, and operational side that most never see.
• The legal side of devolution: Understand the pressure facing councils, governments, and legal teams trying to implement sweeping reforms without resources.
• Opening Cardiff: Discover what it’s like to lead a firm’s expansion into a new region, and why Browne Jacobson’s Welsh office was more than just a postcode.
• Hot 100 recognition: Laura reflects on being named in The Lawyer’s Hot 100. What it means to be recognised as a leader, and how she balances big ambition with mentorship and team culture.
• Legal heroes & real-world impact: Why Ruth Bader Ginsburg still influences Laura’s leadership style, and how she brings that same focus on equality and clarity to the boardrooms of public institutions.

🎧 Why you should listen: If you want to understand where the UK’s legal and political systems are heading, and what lawyers will need to do to keep up, this episode is essential. Laura brings experience, honesty, and real insight into how big decisions get made behind closed doors.

👉 Subscribe now and be part of the conversation that’s changing up the UK legal sector!

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👉 Follow Laura Hughes

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-hughes-solicitor/ Profile: https://www.brownejacobson.com/people/laura-hughes

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👉 Follow Simon Marshall

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpaulmarshall/ Website: www.tbdmarketing.co.uk

In this episode of But is it Legal?, host Simon Marshall gets an exclusive look at how Paul Lewis (Firmwide Managing Partner, Linklaters) leads one of the legal industry’s global giants - steering strategy, redefining success, and making a difference.🎙️

🔥 What's included:

Redefining leadership: Paul breaks down what it really means to manage a global law firm, from boardroom decisions to cultural integration across 30+ offices.

The story so far: Hear how an early interest in firm management turned into a leadership career, and the lessons Paul learned from losing and winning elections along the way.

Bold moves & big decisions: Discover how Linklaters decided to exit Russia post-invasion, and what it takes to lead during global crises.

Vision 2035: Paul shares how success isn’t just about profit, it’s about winning the most complex, high-stakes legal work globally.

Ditching lockstep: Find out why Linklaters moved away from traditional partner pay structures, and how that’s reshaping the way big law competes.

Global vs local: Learn how Linklaters balances a single global strategy with regional autonomy, and why clarity of purpose beats micro-management.

What’s next for the Magic Circle?: Paul gives his take on the A&O-Shearman merger, questions the future of the “Magic Circle”.

Law meets impact: Paul discusses Linklaters’ push for social mobility and how the firm is engaging with underserved UK communities.

🎧 Why you should listen: Whether you’re a future leader, legal professional, or just curious how a global law firm operates from the inside, this episode delivers rare insight into high-level strategy, leadership under pressure, and the future of elite legal services.

👉 Subscribe now and be part of the conversation that’s changing up the UK legal sector!

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👉 Follow Paul Lewis

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/paul-lewis-aa1b4527 Profile: https://www.linklaters.com/en/find-a-lawyer/paul-lewis

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👉 Follow Simon Marshall

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpaulmarshall/ Website: www.tbdmarketing.co.uk

The Tense Waters of Family Law | Anna Yarde 🎙️

Step into the challenging yet rewarding world of family law with Anna Yarde, a seasoned barrister from Harcourt Chambers. In this episode of But is it Legal?, host Simon Marshall looks into how Anna balances intense cases with the delicate nuances of child-related legal cases. 🎙️

🔥 What's included:

Driven by Advocacy: Discover what fuels Anna’s passion for law, particularly her dedication to advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves in high-stakes family disputes.

The Challenges: Hear how Anna manages the intense pressures of the legal profession, from maintaining her well-being to delivering unwavering support to her clients.

Barrister’s Insights: Gain practical advice from Anna on managing the intricate balance of a demanding legal career, ensuring effective case management, and dealing with the emotional weight of family law.

Legal Impact and Emotional Toll: Explore the significant effects that legal outcomes have on families, and how Anna handles the immense responsibility of influencing her clients’ futures.

Legal Landscape Evolution: Engage with Anna’s thoughts on the evolving nature of legal practice, the importance of community support within the profession, and how these factors contribute to addressing mental health and work-life balance for lawyers.

🎧 Why you should listen: Whether you’re a legal practitioner, a law student, or simply intrigued by the human aspects behind legal proceedings, this episode provides a deep dive into the emotional and practical realities faced by a family law barrister.

👉 Subscribe now and be part of the conversation that’s changing up the UK legal sector!

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👉 Follow Anna Yarde

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-yarde-6983b5b2 Profile: https://www.harcourtchambers.co.uk/barrister/anna-yarde/

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👉 Follow Simon Marshall

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpaulmarshall/ Website: www.tbdmarketing.co.uk