What does it take to lead a global offshore law firm? And how does a self-described “solid seven out of ten” lawyer become one of the most engaging voices in legal leadership?
In this episode, we sit down with William Peake, Global Managing Partner of Harneys, to explore his unconventional path to the top. William discovered his real strengths weren’t in technical legal work but in communication and people management. His leadership philosophy is refreshingly simple: senior leaders exist to make decisions, remove complexity, and ensure the buck stops with them, not their anxious associates.
We discuss how he developed his management style by doing the opposite of managers he didn’t respect, why he takes a 15-minute walk when his inbox explodes with urgent matters, and how authenticity has made him LinkedIn’s “legal king.” William also shares Harneys’ strategic focus on stability and growth, with new offices opening in Jersey and expansion planned in the Middle East.
This is a conversation about finding your voice, trusting your instincts, and leading with humanity in an industry that often lacks it.
