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CEO Mark Rigotti talks to business journalist James Ashton about his experience leading the firm.

 

 

Thirty years ago, law firm leaders focused on ensuring lawyers provided clients with solid technical advice. Fast forward to today and the scene is extremely different.

“Now, it’s actually about understanding what the client wants and giving them what they want. So the set of skills required from the leader is connecting that client need to the capability we have in the business,” says Mark Rigotti, as he prepares to step down from his role as CEO of Herbert Smith Freehills. 

On leadership style over the past six years as CEO, Mark cites one of the biggest shifts was becoming more aware and sensitive to different cultures. “It was brought home to me when a partner in one group said ‘…you know, we don’t always drink the same coffee, you should ask us how we do things around here.’”

In this video, Mark reflects on his experience leading the firm and his thoughts on some of the skills required to be an effective and successful leader in the future.