Re-wiring the Legal Career Playbook | Ep31 Alana Tart 🎙️

Feeling boxed in by the “one-track” legal career? In this episode of But is it Legal?, host Simon Marshall chats with Alana Tart, General Counsel, Executive Coach, Mindfulness Teacher and co-founder of The Mentor Well, a youth-mentoring start-up that helps young individuals to navigate their futures confidently.🎙️

🔥 What's included:

• Fractional GC decoded: Why scaling tech companies hire Alana, how she still sits at the board table, and the two myths that stop senior lawyers from making the leap.
• Designing bountiful weeks, not 14-hour days: The practical routine that lets her switch from strategy calls to school drop-offs without missing a beat.
• Coach vs. Counsel: How mindfulness and emotional-intelligence coaching turbo-charge her contract negotiations (and why “weaponised wellbeing” is a real risk).
• Mentor Well: The start-up pairing teens with well-informed mentors: safeguarding rules, data-privacy headaches, and the game-changing impact on Gen Z resilience.
• Red-flag culture: Narcissism, gas-lighting & “neck-up” thinking in law firms: what it looks like, why it festers, and the self-awareness fix HR policies can’t deliver.
• Rapid-fire truths: The stress habit she’s still kicking, the phrase she’d ban from every lawyer’s vocabulary, and who shouldn’t choose the fractional path.

🎧 Why you should listen: If you want to steal a blueprint for building a multi-strand legal career, discover why emotional intelligence, not just technical skills, will future-proof you in an AI-driven world, learn how an innovative mentoring model can safeguard youngsters mental health, and finally ditch the habit of brushing off “soft skills” as mere “pragmatism.”

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

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👉 Follow Alana Tart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-tart-771a30/ Profile: https://www.thelegaldirector.co.uk/team/alana-tart/ Mentor Well: https://www.thementorwell.com/

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

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

Bridging Cultures and Courts in Global Arbitration | Mahnaz Malik 🎙️

Step into the intricate world of international arbitration with Mahnaz Malik, a barrister and arbitrator at Twenty Essex. In this insightful episode of But is it Legal?, host Simon Marshall learns how Mahnaz handles the interplay of law, culture, and diplomacy in her high-stakes career. 🌍🎙️

🔥 What's included:

A day in the life: Explore a typical day for Mahnaz as she juggles her dual roles in international arbitration, dealing with diverse legal systems and high-profile cases across multiple continents.

Global challenges: Mahnaz reflects on the unexpected difficulties of her career and the intricate balance required to manage her global professional commitments.

Culinary diplomacy: Discover how Mahnaz uses food as a tool to break down cultural barriers and build stronger professional relationships in her international dealings.

Wisdom for the aspiring: Gain valuable career advice from Mahnaz, who emphasises the critical importance of preparation and adaptability in the courtroom.

The power of language: Hear how Mahnaz’s multilingual abilities enhance her work, providing deeper insights into the cultures she interacts with and aiding in more effective communication during arbitrations.

🎧 Why you should listen: Whether you’re a legal professional interested in the dynamics of international law, a student aspiring to enter the field, or simply fascinated by how global professionals have built their careers, this episode offers a rare look into the life of someone at the forefront of international arbitration.

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

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👉 Follow Mahnaz Malik

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahnaz-malik/ Profile: https://www.twentyessex.com/people/mahnaz-malik/

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Meet the tree hugging lawyer… Sarah Dodd. The founder of Tree Law 🌳🎙️

Step into the unique world of Tree Law with its founder Sarah Dodd, who’s revolutionising how legal issues involving trees are handled. In this intriguing episode of But is it Legal?, host Simon Marshall uncovers how Sarah’s passion for both the law and environmental stewardship drove her to start a law firm unlike any other. 🌳🎙️

🔥 What's included:

Roots of the firm: We look into the origins of Tree Law, where Sarah Dodd combines her extensive legal expertise with a deep commitment to environmental issues to address complex tree-related disputes.

Branching out: Learn about the challenges and rewards of operating a niche law firm that not only tackles traditional legal aspects but also incorporates environmental considerations into its practice.

Growing the business: Discover the marketing strategies Sarah uses to reach a diverse client base, and how she leverages her industry connections to foster business growth.

Nurturing relationships: Explore how Sarah builds lasting relationships with clients and the community, emphasising transparent communication and tailored legal solutions to meet their unique needs.

🎧 Why you should listen: Whether you’re a legal professional, an environmental advocate, or simply curious about how niche law practices operate, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the innovative intersection of law and environmental care.

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

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👉 Follow Sarah Dodd

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/treelaw/ Profile: https://www.treelaw.co.uk/sarah-dodd/

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

The life and career of Juliet Schalker, a partner who is advocating for a healthier work-life balance in the legal profession. 🎙️

Join us as we look at legal reforms and reshaping how law firms operate with Juliet Schalker, Partner at Debenhams Ottaway. In this transformative episode of But is it Legal?, host Simon Marshall chats with Juliet to discuss her approach to working in the legal sector and creating a nurturing work environment that stands out in the competitive legal landscape. 🌟🎙️

🔥 What's included:

Journey through law: Juliet shares her entry into the legal profession, influenced by early misconceptions from legal dramas, and how her real-life experiences have shaped her understanding and approach to law.

Redefining team dynamics: Explore how Juliet has crafted a team environment that combines high-calibre legal acumen with a supportive and warm work culture, offering an appealing alternative to the high-pressure life at city firms.

Innovative legal practices: Look into Juliet’s strategic focus on filling market gaps left by larger firms, especially in handling complex cases that require a more tailored and financially viable approach.

Cultural shift in law: Juliet’s efforts to foster a healthier work culture within the legal sector, aiming to impact the industry positively by supporting work-life balance and encouraging senior-level women in the profession.

Looking ahead: Hear about Juliet’s reflections on her career, her aspirations for the future, and how she plans to continue influencing the legal profession towards more sustainable and inclusive practices.

🎧 Why you should listen: Whether you’re a legal professional seeking inspiration for a better work-life balance, a student curious about the realities of a legal career, or simply interested in how law firms can operate differently, this episode provides a rare look into different practices within the UK legal sector. 👉 Subscribe now and be part of the conversation that’s changing up the UK legal sector!

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👉 Follow Juliet Schalker

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-schalker-54647683/ Profile: https://www.debenhamsottaway.co.uk/people/juliet-schalker/

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The life and career of David James Lister, the lawyer who is transforming Family Law by day and waiting tables by night 🎙️

Join us as we look into the transformative world of family law with David James Lister, a pioneer in family & matrimonial law from Ward Hadaway. In this compelling episode of But is it Legal?, host Simon Marshall explores how David’s unique approach to family and matrimonial law is changing the landscape for families during challenging times.🌟🎙️

🔥 What's included:

The story so far: Discover David’s inspiring journey from his upbringing to becoming a leading matrimonial lawyer, driven by a passion to improve lives.

Innovating Family Law: Learn about David’s role in revolutionising family law, where he focuses on growth, mentoring, and his innovative legal solution “One Couple, One Lawyer."

Empathy in legal practice: Hear how David’s personal experiences have profoundly shaped his professional ethos, emphasising empathy, understanding, and care in every case.

Beyond the legal sector: Uncover the surprising side of David as he talks about owning and actively working in his restaurant, where he waits tables three nights a week. This unusual ‘second job’ not only keeps him grounded but also enhances his connection with the community.

The future of Family Law: Engage with David’s insights on the shift towards mediation and alternative dispute resolutions, marking a significant move away from traditional litigious methods.

🎧 Why you should listen: Whether you’re involved in family law, facing personal legal challenges, or simply interested in how legal services are evolving to be more inclusive and empathetic, this episode provides a unique look into the heart of family law through the eyes of a compassionate innovator. 👉 Subscribe now and be part of the conversation that’s changing up the UK legal sector!

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👉 Follow David James Lister

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlisterwardhadaway/ Profile: https://www.wardhadaway.com/our-people/david-lister/

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👉 Follow Simon Marshall

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