Richard Medd on the strategy behind Browne Jacobson’s growth streak

Since Richard Medd became managing partner in 2020, Browne Jacobson has recorded five consecutive years of near double-digit growth, taking revenue to just shy of £150 million, expanded into Ireland and more than doubled turnover over the past decade through organic growth rather than a merger.

Medd believes London's importance has grown alongside the firm.

Speaking on The Non-Billable Podcast, he explains why the firm has stepped up investment in the capital, hiring six lateral partners into its London office over the past year - including senior recruits from K&L Gates and Eversheds - following the arrival of a technology-focused team from EY in 2024.

For a firm long associated with the Midlands, London's role is changing. Rather than simply maintaining a presence in the City, Browne Jacobson is building capability in areas including private equity, technology, data and real estate as part of a broader UK and Ireland platform.

"As a firm of our nature, having a strong London presence to support our UK and Ireland network and support our international client base becomes increasingly important," he says.

"There's not a single story in London, but there are multiple roles it plays in a network like ours.”

Medd argues that ambitious regional firms increasingly need a meaningful London presence as expectations from both national and international clients evolve.

External capital

The conversation also explores one of the biggest strategic questions facing large commercial law firms: whether growing investment requirements will push more firms towards external capital.

As firms weigh the cost of AI and technology investment, Medd argues that external capital should not be viewed as a strategy in itself.

"I don't think external funding is a strategy. I think it funds a strategy," he says.

Browne Jacobson has "no current plans" to seek outside investment, but Medd stops short of dismissing the idea across the wider market.

Asked whether one of the UK's largest commercial firms could take external investment over the next few years, he says: "I'd say I'm lower than 50%, but I wouldn't say never."

Listen to the full conversation with Richard Medd on The Non-Billable Podcast.