In the next instalment of our blog, ‘Five Minutes With’, we caught up with Matthew Dashper-Hughes, Global Talent Director & Business Coach at gunnercooke. Here’s what he had to say …
1. gunnercooke is quite different from the traditional law firm model. Can you explain how the gunnercooke model works and what sets it apart from the standard partnership structure?
gunnercooke operates as a fee-share firm, sometimes referred to as a platform or distributed law firm. Each lawyer runs their own limited company under the gunnercooke umbrella and enters into both a service agreement and a compliance agreement with the LLP. This model offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing lawyers to work independently, build their own teams or collaborate with others. There are no traditional time recording requirements or administrative burdens, giving high calibre lawyers the freedom to grow their practice, and their own personal compensation, in a way that suits their ambitions and lifestyle.
2. Being self-employed could, on the face of it, seem quite isolating. Is this actually the case and what opportunities are there for collaboration and cross-selling?
Far from being isolating, collaboration is a key part of the gunnercooke model. Between a quarter and a third of annual revenue typically comes from internal referrals in any given year, demonstrating how much partners work together. There are also around 150 events each year, ranging from large in-person gatherings to online networking and coffee roulettes. The structure encourages strong relationships between partners, ensuring they can refer work with confidence and support each other in maintaining and growing client relationships.
3. For many lawyers, leaving the security of a salaried role can be a leap of faith. What financial and business development support does gunnercooke offer to help new joiners transition successfully and build their own practice?
gunnercooke provides extensive support to help new partners set themselves up for success. Every candidate goes through a detailed planning process, including business coaching to ensure their plan is fit for purpose. There is access to a dedicated marketing and business development team, along with a network of experienced partners who have successfully built their practices. While moving away from a salary can feel like a risk, the reality is that most clients trust their lawyer rather than the firm they work for so it’s normal for clients to move with the lawyer when he or she moves to a new firm. For those Partners with strong client relationships, the transition is more about managing short-term liquidity than long-term stability.
4. Culture is a huge part of any law firm’s appeal. How would you describe the working culture at gunnercooke, and what kind of lawyers would you say typically thrive in this model?
The culture at gunnercooke is built around shared values, collaboration and treating people like adults. The firm is structured to create the right environment for success without unnecessary control. There is a strong moral core, reflected in its charitable foundation and the House of Books & Friends, a community interest company designed to combat loneliness. Lawyers who thrive in this model tend to be those who value autonomy, have an entrepreneurial mindset and want to work in an environment that genuinely aligns with their personal and professional values.
5. As a business coach, what is your involvement in the onboarding of new partners at gunnercooke and does that relationship continue?
Business coaching is a fundamental part of the onboarding process. Every new partner is supported through a structured planning model that focuses on setting them up for long-term success. Many continue to work with a business coach beyond their initial transition, with some choosing weekly sessions, others moving to monthly check-ins and some simply using it as an occasional accountability tool. The relationship is entirely driven by the needs of the individual, but for those looking to grow their practice significantly, coaching has played a key role in their success.
6. And finally, if you could have any other career, what would it be?
I would not choose anything different. My mission is to have a positive impact on others, and this role allows me to do exactly that. I help lawyers build businesses they love while contributing to the growth of a firm that genuinely lives by its values. The opportunity to work with talented individuals, support their ambitions and see the real difference this model makes in their lives is incredibly fulfilling.
Click below to watch the full in-depth interview with Matthew, where he shares further insights into the benefits of joining gunnercooke.
If you’re interested in exploring a move to gunnercooke, please contact Haggerty Jaques for an initial conversation on 07740 662 995 or 07974 131 939