On today’s Legally Speaking Podcast, I am delighted to welcome back to the show Curt Sigfstead. Curt is the Chief Financial Officer at Clio.

Curt has a wealth of experience in financial planning, accounting and investment banking.

His expertise in financial leadership and understanding of SaaS and fintech is a valuable asset to Clio.

So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Curt discussing:

- Clio's Customer-Centric and Strategic Growth Approach

- Curt's Deep Financial Background and Transition to Operator Role

- Evolving Role of a CFO at a High-Growth SaaS Company

- Clio’s Strategic Vision and Scalable Global Expansion

- Significance and Impact of Clio’s Series F Funding

Connect with Curt here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtsigfstead

Our Sponsor, Clio - https://www.clio.com/uk/

We’re proud to be the official media partner for the first-ever edition of The Lawyers Retreat, co-founded by Kate Burt and Kirsty Pappin, which took place 13–16 May 2025 in Cala Carbo, Ibiza.This collaboration is part of our bigger mission:

Inspiring legal minds. Transforming legal futures.

2025 is our 10x year—no playing safe, no repeating the same formula, and absolutely no following the crowd.We’re investing in time, energy, and creativity to take the podcast global and partner with the most exciting initiatives shaping the future of law.

Following the success of our Legally On The Move: Careers, Tech & Insights from Dubai miniseries, we’re not slowing down…

✈️ Our Destination: Ibiza.

Get ready for:

💥 Strategy

💥 Scaling

💥 Sunshine

💥 Success

In today’s episode, we talk to Tom Blandford, Chief Financial Officer for law firms on a fractional basis with over two decades of experience in the field. He is also the Founder and Owner of Sursum Advisory Ltd.

You can hear Rob and Tom talking about:

- Law Firms Need Actionable Metrics, Not Just Financial Statements

- A Powerful Example from Southwest Airlines: Find Your Key Number

- Gross Profit Percentage Is a Strong Starting Point

- Understanding and Tracking Lockup and WIP

- The Best Finance Directors Are Great StorytellersConnect with Tom here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-blandford-lawfirmcfo/

We’re proud to be the official media partner for the first-ever edition of The Lawyers Retreat, co-founded by Kate Burt and Kirsty Pappin, which took place 13–16 May 2025 in Cala Carbo, Ibiza.

This collaboration is part of our bigger mission:

Inspiring legal minds. Transforming legal futures.

2025 is our 10x year—no playing safe, no repeating the same formula, and absolutely no following the crowd.

We’re investing in time, energy, and creativity to take the podcast global and partner with the most exciting initiatives shaping the future of law.Following the success of our Legally On The Move: Careers, Tech & Insights from Dubai miniseries, we’re not slowing down…

✈️ Our Destination: Ibiza.

Get ready for:

💥 Strategy

💥 Scaling

💥 Sunshine

💥 Success

In today’s episode, we talk to Jodie Hill, Managing Partner of Thrive Law, a firm that strongly emphasises the key importance of equality, diversity and inclusion in the legal industry. At Thrive Law, Jodie’s team offer’s the best support on tackling employment law, mental health and wellbeing challenges.

You can hear Rob and Jodie talking about:

- How Burnout in Law Requires Systematic Change

- Small Firms Taking Charge in Legal Culture

- Inclusive Onboarding: “License to Thrive”

- Starting by Listening, Not Aiming for Perfection

- Intentional Culture Building Through Hybrid Teams

Connect with Jodie here:

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jodie-hill-lawyer

https://www.thrivelaw.co.uk/

Is it time to rethink the ways law firms operate?

This week, I’m joined by Mel Kang, the Founder & CEO of Mezzle. This amazing company is one of the fastest growing fee-sharing law firms in the UK. Mel shares why the fee-share model is transforming legal careers, the rise of remote-first law firms and how AI is shaping the future of legal work.

If you’re a lawyer thinking of breaking free from tradition, this episode is a must-listen, go give it a listen now!

So why should you be listening in? 

You can hear Rob and Mel discussing:

- AI in Legal Practice Enhances, Not Replaces, Human Lawyers

- The Fee-Share Model Offers Flexibility and Empowerment

- Building Mezzle with Core Cultural Values (PRCB)

- Remote-First and Tech-Enabled Firms Are Thriving

- How Vulnerability and Setbacks Can Lead to Entrepreneurial Success

Connect with Mel here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mel-kang

We’re proud to be the official media partner for the first-ever edition of The Lawyers Retreat, co-founded by Kate Burt and Kirsty Pappin, which took place 13–16 May 2025 in Cala Carbo, Ibiza.This collaboration is part of our bigger mission:Inspiring legal minds. Transforming legal futures.

2025 is our 10x year—no playing safe, no repeating the same formula, and absolutely no following the crowd.We’re investing in time, energy, and creativity to take the podcast global and partner with the most exciting initiatives shaping the future of law.

Following the success of our Legally On The Move: Careers, Tech & Insights from Dubai miniseries, we’re not slowing down…

✈️ Our Destination: Ibiza.

Get ready for:

💥 Strategy

💥 Scaling

💥 Sunshine

💥 Success

In our second episode, we talk to Whitney Williams, the Founder of PR By Whitney. She shares her insights for PR done right and how it affects your everyday practice. Stay tuned for Whitney’s specialist tips and advice!

You can hear Rob and Whitney talking about:

- The Importance of PR for Modern Law Firms

- Authenticity and Vulnerability in Legal PR

- Strategic Values of the Lawyer’s Retreat

- Expanding Your Practice Beyond LinkedIn

- The Role of Community and Collaboration

Connect with Whitney here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneywilliamspr

https://www.linkedin.com/company/prbywhitney/

https://prbywhitney.co.uk/

We’re proud to be the official media partner for the first-ever edition of The Lawyers Retreat, co-founded by Kate Burt and Kirsty Pappin, which took place 13–16 May 2025 in Cala Carbo, Ibiza.

This collaboration is part of our bigger mission:Inspiring legal minds. Transforming legal futures.2025 is our 10x year—no playing safe, no repeating the same formula, and absolutely no following the crowd.

We’re investing in time, energy, and creativity to take the podcast global and partner with the most exciting initiatives shaping the future of law.

Following the success of our Legally On The Move: Careers, Tech & Insights from Dubai miniseries, we’re not slowing down…

✈️ Our Destination: Ibiza.

Get ready for:

💥 Strategy

💥 Scaling

💥 Sunshine

💥 Success

In our very first episode, we share our time with very special guest panel in a poolside conversation at the Lawyer’s Retreat. These guest panelists are Maya Raichoora, Imran Ali, Rakeebah Rahim, Sarah Birdsey and Peter Meadows.

You can hear Rob and the panel talking about:

- Mental Fitness as a Leadership Skill

- Performing Under Pressure- Scaling Without Losing Culture

- Client Experience with Empathy

- Strategic Clarity & Longevity in Law

Welcome to today’s Legally Speaking Podcast LinkedIn Live, sponsored by Clio. Today I’m joined by someone who truly needs no introduction in the world of business development and client experience — Matt Dixon.

Matt’s work has changed how organizations think about selling and serving. His previous books, like The Challenger Sale and The Effortless Experience, have sold millions worldwide.

Now, Matt’s back with a new blueprint for professional services success: The Activator Advantage — based on groundbreaking research into what today’s top rainmakers do differently.

If you’re serious about winning, retaining, and growing client relationships in today’s ultra competitive environment — you’re in the right place.

What if your thoughts were no longer private? 

This week, I’m joined by Nita Farahany, Duke Professor, TedX Speaker, Global Policy Advisor and Author of ‘The Battle for Your brain’. We dive into the urgent reality of neurotechnology where brain data can be tracked, emotions decoded and decision-making influenced by AI. Nita shares why mental privacy and cognitive liberty could become the next fundamental human rights.

If you care about freedom, ethics and the future of technology, this episode will change the way you think. Tune in now, the battle for your brain has already begun.

So why should you be listening in? 

You can hear Rob and Nita discussing:

- The Numerous Benefits and Risks of Neurotechnology

- Ethical Concerns Regarding Mental Privacy

- Cognitive Liberty as a Crucial Human Right

- Global Policies and Frameworks for Safeguarding Mental Privacy

- The Future of Technology Redefining What it Means to be Human

Connect with Nita here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitafarahany

Welcome to our final episode of the “Fture-Proof Law: Faster. Smarter. Better” miniseries – powered by Faster Outcomes & brought to you by the Legally Speaking Podcast!

This Faster Outcomes series features three short, power-packed episodes with trailblazers from the AI and legal tech space — designed to equip law firms with the insights they need to adapt, innovate, and win in an AI-powered future.So what’s it all about?

Each 10–12 minute episode breaks down real strategies, tech trends, and client-first transformations that are redefining the legal landscape.

The Future of Law Firms in an AI-Driven World

In this last episode, we talk to Tim Sawyer, the Executive Vice President Executive of Faster Outcomes. Here, we discuss a key topic in the world of legal tech, how future law practice will be carried out by companies and individuals. Be sure not to miss this captivating discussion!

You can hear Rob and Tim talking about:

- Implementing an Effective AI Adoption Strategy

- The Role of Leadership in Understanding AI

- The Transformation of Modern Law Firms

- Maintaining Human Touch in a World of Evolving Legal Tech

- Why Companies Should Give AI a Proper Try

Connect with Tim - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sawyertim

What if you could immortalise your intellectual property forever?

This week, I’m joined by Ben Scott, Joshua Scott and Victor Caddy, the three innovators behind Etched Tech, a platform redefining how we protect creativity and ownership. From blockchain-backed IP management to closing gaps in legal protection, these three bring expertise from sport, tech and law to create something truly game-changing.

If you’re ready to discover the future of intellectual property, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now to see how innovation meets protection.

So why should you be listening in? 

You can hear Rob, Ben, Joshua and Victor discussing:

- Etched Tech as a Powerful and Useful Blockchain-Powered Platform

- The Diverse Backgrounds That the Three Co-Founders Bring to the Table

- The Numerous Challenges with Copyright Protection

- How Etched tech and the Co-Founders Aim to Make IP Protection Seamless

- Coping with the Current Economic Climate to Secure Startup Funding

Connect with Ben here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/benscott22

Connect with Joshua here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joshua-scott-839a04215

Connect with Victor here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/victorcaddy