Howard Rosenberg Interviews Adil Taha, Private Equity Executive at Taha & Watmough

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 Adil Taha, private equity executive at Taha & Watmough. Adil, based in the UK, brings a rare blend of investment banking, private equity, and law firm operational leadership experience. Having worked at firms like Merrill Lynch and HSBC before transitioning to legal sector investments, Adil has been directly involved in turnaround efforts, distressed acquisitions, and the broader evolution of private equity’s role in the legal industry.

This wide-ranging conversation dives into the realities of private equity in law, the myths and challenges of PE-backed deals, and why law firms often struggle to make long-term, commercially sound decisions. Adil offers a candid view on valuation, leadership, client strategy, and the future potential for startup legal ventures backed by patient capital.

Episode Highlights

• The Hard Truth About PE Value Creation
  Adil argues that most PE-backed law firm deals haven't yet delivered real enterprise value—and explains why the true test comes at exit. He breaks down how misaligned incentives and day-one payouts can undermine long-term growth.

• Law Firms’ Commercial Blind Spots
  With years of turnaround experience, Adil identifies a key issue in many law firms: equity partners prioritizing self-preservation over smart commercial decisions. He details how data and outside ownership can force a shift in mindset.

• What Happens When PE Takes Control
  From increasing rates overnight to restructuring client portfolios, Adil shares real examples of the firmwide changes that occur under PE ownership—and how traditional partnerships often resist these necessary moves.

• Why Top Law Firms Still Hold Out
  Adil explains why high-performing firms aren’t rushing into PE deals—and how, in some cases, holding out signals strength rather than stagnation. But for those who do need capital, he outlines smarter ways to engage investors.

• The Case for Building a Firm From Scratch
  What would a PE-funded law firm built from the ground up look like? Adil lays out a compelling vision—lean, top-heavy, focused on high-margin work, and built with data and control at its core.

VIEW ALL EPISODES OF THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT PODCAST

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.