Howard Rosenberg Interviews Jami McKeon, Chair of Morgan Lewis

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 Jami McKeon, chair of Morgan Lewis, an Am Law 10 firm recognized for its global presence and collaborative culture. With more than four decades at the firm, Jami has led Morgan Lewis through transformative growth, from its expansion into key international markets to its early adoption of legal technology.

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation, Jami reflects on her journey from associate to chair, her deeply personal leadership style, and how Morgan Lewis has scaled without compromising its core values. She shares how the firm embraces innovation—from integrating generative AI to building a digitally fluent legal team—and what it takes to lead a global law firm with empathy, resilience, and vision.

Episode Highlights:

• Leading with Heart
  Jami opens up about what keeps her up at night: her people. She describes how knowing all 750 partners personally has shaped her leadership approach, turning vulnerability into strength and fostering a culture of connection.
  
  
• Strategic Global Growth
  Morgan Lewis’s expansion strategy wasn’t just about size—it was about purpose. Jami recounts the firm’s bold moves, including integrating 750 lawyers from Bingham McCutchen, and how each growth decision centered around client needs and cultural fit.
  
  
• AI and Innovation with Purpose
  Well before it was trendy, Morgan Lewis was pioneering legal tech. Jami shares how the firm’s early adoption of AI—now expanded through a strategic partnership with Thomson Reuters—positions it at the forefront of digital transformation in the legal industry.
  
  
• Succession Planning and Sustained Excellence
  Having risen through the ranks herself, Jami discusses what it takes to build a leadership pipeline. She offers candid advice to the next generation of managing partners, highlighting the importance of gratitude, resilience, and authenticity.
  
  
• Loving the Firm, the People, and the Work
  At the heart of her leadership philosophy is a simple but powerful belief: you must love what you do. Jami’s personal reflections on family, legacy, and staying grounded reveal what truly drives long-term success in the legal profession.

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.