In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney speaks with Vicky Wickremeratne, senior employment partner at Simmons & Simmons. The conversation explores what it really takes to build a successful legal career across private practice and in-house roles. Vicky shares her non linear career journey, the skills that matter most for partners, and how relationship building, adaptability, and self awareness shape long term success in the law.

Vicky Wick built a broad career across private practice and senior in-house roles, including working in London and Hong Kong. Her experience spans major law firms and global financial institutions, giving her a deep understanding of leadership, client relationships, and career development within the legal profession.

1. Why relationship building is central to success as a law firm partner
2. The key differences between in-house and private practice legal work
3. How lateral partners can integrate successfully into new firms
4. The impact of working parenthood on career decisions and progression
5. Why feedback, mentorship, and self awareness matter in leadership roles

1. [00:00] – Teaser
2. [00:59] – Welcome & Introduction to Beyond Billables with Vicky Wickremeratne
3. [04:27] – Core Skills of a Successful Partner: Relationships and Communication
4. [07:25] – Connecting with People: Lessons from Bartending and Waitressing
5. [10:06] – In-House vs. Private Practice: Delivering Pithy, Commercial Advice
6. [13:00] – The Fascination of Employment Law: People and Strategy
7. [18:40] – Moving Jobs While Pregnant or on Maternity Leave
8. [20:58] – Non-Linear Careers and the Value of Lateral Moves
9. [25:30] – Integration Plans and the Importance of Early Stakeholder Meetings
10. [28:18] – Mentors and Role Models: Karen Ish, Goldman Sachs Leaders, and Feedback Culture
11. [32:43] – The Surprise of Partnership: Leadership Shadow and Shifting Tents
12. [38:12] – Hybrid Working: Balancing Flexibility with the Apprenticeship Model
13. [40:28] – Networking as Friendship: Staying in Touch Through Life and Bruce Springsteen

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Jeanette Burgess, Managing Partner at Walker Morris, one of the UK’s leading independent law firms. Jeanette shares her career journey from aspiring police officer to leading a top firm, offering candid insights into her time in-house, her return to private practice, and her transition into law firm leadership. She discusses the real challenges of partnership, the impact of AI on the legal sector, and the importance of resilience, curiosity, and communication in sustaining a legal career.

Jeanette Burgess has nearly three decades of legal experience. She began in private practice before spending time in-house at Provident Group, and later built Walker Morris’s regulatory team from the ground up. Elected to the board in 2015 and appointed Managing Partner in 2024, she brings deep insight into leadership, regulatory law, and evolving law firm dynamics.

Expect to Learn:

1. How Jeanette’s in-house experience shaped her success in private practice and firm leadership
2. The overlooked skills needed for successful law firm partnership beyond legal expertise
3. What makes lateral hires succeed or fail and how culture plays a bigger role than you might think
4. Why AI is both a challenge and an opportunity for the legal profession
5. Jeanette’s top lessons from managing partner life, including resilience, client service, and staying curious

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

1. [00:00] – Teaser
2. [00:47] – Introduction to the Podcast and Guest Jeanette Burgess
3. [01:39] – Jeanette’s Early Career: From Police Aspirations to Law
4. [03:49] – Moving In-House and Return to Private Practice at Walker Morris
5. [08:14] – Walker Morris’s “Forge” Programme for Future Partners
6. [11:46] – In-House vs. Private Practice: Different Skills and Environments
7. [14:09] – The Challenges and Loneliness of Being an In-House Lawyer
8. [20:52] – Decision-Making, Patience, and the Value of Sleep
9. [24:16] – Lateral Hiring: Why Some Succeed and Others Fail
10. [27:25] – Integrating Laterals and Learning from Their Experience
11. [30:11] – The Critical Early Months for Lateral Integration
12. [35:40] – The Impact of AI on Learning, Work, and Firm Structure