Howard Rosenberg Interviews Crispin Passmore, Co-Founder of Stratify

In this episode of The Future Is Bright podcast, Howard Rosenberg, head of Talent Intelligence + Acquisitions at Baretz+Brunelle, and his co-host Chris Batz welcome Crispin Passmore, co-founder of Stratify and a former U.K. regulator turned consultant. Crispin brings his cross-Atlantic perspective to the conversation, sharing insights into how alternative business structures, private equity, and liberalization are reshaping legal markets in both the U.K. and the U.S. He breaks down why Arizona’s regulatory reforms are worth watching, how global firms are positioning themselves to capitalize on change, and what traditional law firms risk if they fail to evolve.

Episode Highlights:

• Revolution Underway: U.S. Legal Industry at an Inflection Point
  Crispin describes the liberalization of the U.S. legal market as a “revolution”—one that’s moving slowly but surely. While traditional firms may not feel immediate pressure, new entrants, tech companies, and alternative providers are already making waves.
• Why Law Firms Must Shift from Inward to Outward Thinking
  Firms most vulnerable to disruption are those that prioritize internal traditions over client needs. Crispin emphasizes that success in this changing market depends on responsiveness to what clients want—not just from law firms, but from all types of legal providers.
• Private Equity Is Coming—But It’s About Strategy, Not Just Capital
  Crispin outlines why private equity is increasingly drawn to the legal industry: strong margins, resilience, and room for modernization. But capital alone isn’t the solution.
• The U.K. ABS Model Is Gaining Global Appeal
  With nearly 20% of U.K. law firms now operating with non-lawyer ownership, the ABS structure has become a normalized part of the legal ecosystem. Hear how these firms are using their U.K. entities to experiment, raise capital, and fund innovation-even as U.S. regulations remain fragmented.

About the Podcast:

On The Future Is Bright, Howard Rosenberg and Chris Batz engage with thought-provoking C-suite executives and leaders from corporations, professional service firms, and the global legal industry. Each episode uncovers insights on leadership, innovation, and the evolving dynamics of the modern professional landscape.

You can subscribe to The Future is Bright Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and PodBean.