Stephen worked for Freshfields for over 41 years and was a partner for 33 of them. He has lived on 3 continents – North America, Europe, and Asia and has managed transactions in over 50 countries. Whilst at Freshfields he led the StrongerTogether relationship program involving over 400 law firms around the world. His many years of leadership and myriad discussions with law firm leaders and clients about their challenges have helped shape his thinking about law firm management issues.
Stephen is an active speaker on a wide range of subjects. He is a very regular participant in IBA events especially those involving the Law Firm Management Committee where he is an officer. He is a member of the SIC-Singapore Takeover Panel and a Director and audit committee member of the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce.
Stephen recently edited the second edition of the IBA/Globe Handbook on Business Development. It really is a very useful book that examines the theory, tools and skills needed to implement effective business development in a law firm today. There is a lot of practical advice, but learning from the client interviews with 12 general counsel is reason alone to read this book (or at least that chapter!). If you read nothing else in the book, please look at these interviews – they should reshape your whole approach to business development.