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Awards don’t build resilient law firms — clarity, culture, and client value do. In Episode 3 (series 2) of the Legal Sector Resilience Podcast, host and Legal News Wales Editor Emma Waddingham sits down with Fflur Jones, Managing Partner, and Owen John, Partner, at Darwin Gray Solicitors — winners of the Legal News Wales Business Growth Award 2025.

Together, they unpack how a simple, shared strategy powered a 105% revenue increase in just two years for Darwin Gray — all while protecting the values and team culture that underpin sustainable success, as Fflur explains:

“Growth for us is about more than numbers — it’s about identity, impact, and doing good work with people who share our values.”

What we covered:

  • Welsh identity as a strategic strength: From bilingual legal services to embracing local presence in North Wales, Darwin Gray shares why Welsh language capability is more than a branding tool — it’s a real driver of trust and value.

  • Practical growth levers: The firm’s success wasn’t built on chance — it came from sharp SEO strategy, public sector tenders, and service expansion in areas clients actually need: governance, wills and probate, and more.

  • The North Wales story: Learn how partnerships with Bangor University, a commitment to local talent, and work in key sectors like food, drink and manufacturing created a strong commercial base.

  • Tech with purpose: Fflur and Owen talk candidly about experimenting with AI, including trials with Thomson Reuters’ CoCounsel, and the importance of guardrails around data, training, and judgement.

  • Thought leadership as growth engine: Discover how Darwin Gray’s ‘Governance Wales’ conferences and HR network are creating new conversations — and new instructions.

Throughout the conversation runs a consistent theme: growth with purpose. Darwin Gray has chosen to scale intentionally — with steady pacing, strong communication, and an unshakeable sense of who they are and who they serve.

The Legal News Wales Awards 2026 open for entry on 1 November 2025. For more information, on last year’s Finalists and Winners, click here.

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Emma Waddingham

Emma Waddingham

Editor, Legal News

Emma Waddingham is the Editor & Founder of Legal News. She is a seasoned legal editor and journalist and experienced marketing & events consultant, working almost exclusively with the UK legal sector.