February 06, 2026

Using pace as a leadership tool | Ep 36 Jo Farmer

49 minutes

Many firms talk “strategy”; few make space for it. In this episode of But is it Legal?, host Simon Marshall welcomes Jo Farmer (joint Managing Partner at Lewis Silkin) to discuss her playbook for modern firm leadership - pacing decisions, keeping close to clients, rolling out AI with courage, and killing off firm clichés.🎙️

🔥 What's included:

Leadership pace: when to slow decisions so better answers surface.

Strategy vs ops: carving protected thinking time (and using it).

Two at the top: how a joint MP model adds challenge, pace and accountability.

AI that sticks: enterprise-wide Harvey rollout to build a learning culture.

Beyond ROI: why judging AI too early misses the real win-capability.

Next-gen growth: lower chargeable targets so associates learn BD, tech and pricing early.

Differentiate or drift: retire tired taglines; speak to outcomes.

Market moves: rise of super-boutiques as conflicts and economics bite.

Visible leadership: consistent internal comms without chasing virality.

🎧 Why you should listen: If you want a candid, usable blueprint for leading a law firm, this episode is for you. Jo brings clarity, practicality and rare transparency on how decisions get made, and how the next generation is being built.

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

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👉 Follow Jo Farmer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-farmer-3569b62/

Profile: https://www.lewissilkin.com/experts/jo-farmer

👉 Follow Simon Marshall

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpaulmarshall/

Website: www.tbdmarketing.co.uk

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By TBD Marketing