Howard Rosenberg Interviews Sir Nigel Knowles, Former CEO of DWF and Managing Partner of DLA Piper

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 Sir Nigel Knowles, former CEO of DWF and managing partner of DLA Piper. As one of the most influential figures in the modern legal industry, Sir Nigel helped shape the trajectory of Big Law—from building DLA Piper into a global powerhouse to navigating DWF through an IPO and a landmark private equity transaction.

Over a wide-ranging conversation, Sir Nigel reflects on nearly five decades of law firm leadership and shares hard-won insights into legal industry transformation, the role of private capital, and how professional services firms must evolve to stay competitive. He speaks candidly about strategy, leadership, and the opportunities ahead for firms willing to embrace innovation, digital transformation, and structural change.

Episode Highlights

• From Sheffield to the Top of Big Law
  Sir Nigel shares how he started as a trainee in a small firm in Northern England and helped transform it into DLA Piper, one of the largest global law firms. He recounts the pivotal mergers, cultural alignment, and strategic expansion that defined the firm’s growth journey.
  
  
• A Historic IPO—and What Came Next
  As chairman and later CEO of DWF, Sir Nigel led the firm through a historic public listing—the first of its kind for a UK law firm. He reflects on the challenges of operating as a publicly traded law firm and why later taking the firm private with Inflexion was the right move.
  
  
• Private Equity in Law Firms: Risk, Reward, and Reality
  Sir Nigel offers an unfiltered look at the impact of private equity on the legal profession. He explains how non-lawyer ownership, capital access, and investor partnerships can drive innovation.
  
  
• The Future of Legal Industry Leadership
  What makes a law firm leader today? Sir Nigel discusses the difference between managing and leading, the importance of execution over ideas, and how to overcome resistance to change from within. His message: complacency is the biggest threat to growth.
  
  
• Consolidation, Capital, and the Road Ahead
  From legal market consolidation to the power of AI and digital transformation, Sir Nigel shares his bullish outlook on the future of Big Law. He encourages leaders to build coalitions, define their strategy, and move decisively or risk being left behind.

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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.

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