The latest episode of the Osprey Approach ‘Empowering Law Firm Leaders podcast’, features the return of leadership expert Simon McCrum, who shares practical insights into the behaviours and disciplines that underpin high-performing law firm partnerships.
Now available on YouTube, Spotify and Amazon Music, episode 28 arrives at a time when law firms face mounting pressure around profitability, talent retention and performance.
In conversation with Amy Bruce, Marketing Director at Osprey Approach, Simon McCrum offers guidance drawn from his latest book on what it means to lead effectively as a modern law firm partner.
A former managing partner of one of the UK’s fastest-growing law firms and author of The Perfect book trilogy, Simon discusses the human and cultural foundations of partnership success — from building trust and running effective partner meetings to empowering future leaders within the firm.
Key themes explored in the episode
The discussion covers a range of practical leadership topics, including:
- What is required of a high-impact law firm partner
- How to run partner meetings that deliver results rather than derail progress
- The importance of building “rails” for long-term success
- Business development beyond winning new clients
- Empowering the next generation of law firm leaders
Leadership begins with being human
Simon emphasises that while the legal profession prizes technical excellence, partnership success rests on human qualities.
“If I was to give a very short answer… what makes a good partner? The answer is: a good human. That’s the beginning.”
He describes trust as the currency of influence and leadership, built through everyday behaviours such as consistency, fairness and reliability.
A recurring theme is the distinction between positional authority and genuine leadership.
“Leadership can arise on the part of a secretary… a partner… can simply fail to attain leadership.”
Rather than relying on title or hierarchy, Simon encourages partners to create environments where colleagues feel valued, supported and stretched — fostering cultures people actively want to be part of.
Building alignment through shared ‘rails’
Another standout concept discussed is Simon’s idea of building ‘rails’ — shared principles that guide decision-making across service delivery, profitability, culture and compliance.
Unlike rigid rules, rails are co-created, helping firms build alignment and momentum.
Beyond business development
The episode also explores partner-level business development, culture change, and the critical difference between being a boss and being a leader — offering practical guidance for firms seeking sustainable growth and stronger internal leadership.
What’s next in the series
Future episodes of the Empowering Law Firm Leaders podcast will feature additional industry experts, including:
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Shona Kaye, Laterna Consulting, sharing practical advice on legal tech adoption
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Abby Winkworth, Principal Consultant at Ambire Advisory and Chair of The Law Society’s Leadership & Management Section
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Nusrat Siddique, Associate Solicitor at Birketts and member of The Law Society’s Junior Solicitors Network
The latest episode featuring Simon McCrum is available to watch and listen to now, here.
Osprey Approach: We make running a law firm easier
Osprey Approach provides an all-in-one, legal accounting, practice, and case management software solution to SME law firms. With over 30 years’ experience in the legal software sector, our software solution and dedicated partnership helps make running a law firm easier.
Osprey Approach is a fully integrated solution that provides legal accounting, time recording, billing, client management, business intelligence, client portal, configurable sector-specific workflows, document production and case management features and functionality.
Osprey’s powerful and comprehensive, multi-device software has helped thousands of lawyers to run a profitable firm and deliver excellent client care. Integrated with Microsoft Office Applications plus other key legal software providers such as Lexis Smart Forms, InfoTrack, DocuSign, Perfect Portal and TextAnywhere, Osprey helps you manage every facet of your legal practice.
