AI in Law for Legal Pros to Stay Relevant and Escape the Billable Hour Trap with Emily Monastiriotis

About this episode

In this episode of Beyond Billables: Lessons from Top Law Firm Partners, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Emily Monastiriotis, Global Managing Partner at Simmons & Simmons. Emily shares her journey from growing up in Corfu to leading one of the world's leading international law firms. The conversation explores leadership, client relationships, talent development, AI adoption, and what it takes to build a successful legal career in a rapidly changing profession.

Emily Monastiriotis is the Global Managing Partner of Simmons & Simmons. A construction litigator by background, she joined the firm almost ten years ago and progressed through a series of leadership roles before being elected Managing Partner. Emily is passionate about people, innovation, mentoring, and helping law firms adapt to the opportunities and challenges created by artificial intelligence.

Expect to Learn:

• How Emily's international upbringing and career journey led her to become Global Managing Partner of Simmons & Simmons.
• Why building strong client relationships and understanding client needs remain critical to long-term success.
• The leadership qualities that help law firm partners develop high-performing teams and strong firm cultures.
• How AI is changing legal work, pricing models, training, and the future skills lawyers need.
• Best practices for recruiting, integrating, and supporting lateral hires in law firms.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [01:01] – Welcome & Introduction to Beyond Billables with Emily Monastiriotis
• [05:23] – The Contested Election: Becoming Managing Partner of Simmons
• [09:11] – What Makes a Successful Partner? Relationships, Curiosity, and Engagement
• [14:31] – The Power of Face-to-Face: Investing Time in Clients
• [19:25] – AI and the Billable Hour: The Shift to Value-Based Pricing
• [24:51] – The Education Gap: Teaching AI Responsibility in Schools
• [27:47] – Responsible AI Use: Traffic Lights, Supervision, and Critical Thinking
• [33:40] – Lateral Hiring: Planning, Integration, and Cultural Fit
• [38:31] – Sponsoring Partners and Holistic Remuneration
• [43:24] – Best Moments: The Thrill of Victory and Team Success
• [48:38] – Mentoring and Reverse Mentoring: Paying It Forward
• [52:08] – Private Equity in Law: A Cautious View
• [55:45] – One Golden Rule: Treat People with Respect and Curiosity
• [56:07] – Closing Remarks

Connect with Emily Monastiriotis:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-monastiriotis/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simmons-&-simmons/
• Company’s Website: https://www.simmons-simmons.com/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
• Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:

• Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5itRkdqnE9iUG7XuVXfur9?si=cd8ec898274442d9&nd=1&dlsi=6ff13118ea1a44b4
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-billables-lessons-from-top-law-firm-partners/id1847593311
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRodney-i8l