The Unworking Podcast
In this podcast series, we will be hosting exclusive discussions with innovators, thought-leaders, authors, business leaders, and leading industry professionals who have a unique vision or perspective on the future of work & workplace.
Our mission is to provide a holistic overview of current and future trends, predominantly covering six key areas: People, Place, Culture, Design, Technology & Innovation.
The past few years have been nothing short of transformative, as the pandemic forced the world to adapt to a new reality. We have seen work and workplace hugely affected, and it is a topic that’s at the forefront of many minds… How we reimagine work and the workplace will be the overarching backbone of this podcast.
The Unworking Podcast
How to Grow a Global Firm From Scratch: The Clyde & Co Story with Michael Payton
In the latest episode of The Unworking Podcast, as part of our Legal Insights series, Cornelius Medvei, Advisory Board Member at Unwork, sits down with Michael Payton, Chairman of Clyde & Co and one of the most respected figures in the legal profession.
With a distinguished career spanning decades, Michael shares his reflections on the evolution of law, from the days before email and the internet to the current era shaped by hybrid work and AI. As a seasoned litigator and leader, he offers a rare long-view perspective on how law firms have adapted—and continue to adapt—to seismic shifts in both technology and workplace culture.
In this conversation, Michael explores the profound impact of hybrid work on office dynamics, client engagement, and firm culture. He discusses how Clyde & Co’s proximity to clients has influenced working patterns, and how the Tuesday-to-Thursday rhythm has emerged as a new norm in the profession.
Looking ahead, Michael tackles the big question: Will AI fundamentally change what lawyers do? While acknowledging the potential for automation to transform tasks like drafting, research, and claims evaluation, he argues that the core of legal practice—advising human clients in moments of complexity and conflict—remains unchanged. Drawing on decades of experience, Michael illustrates how each wave of technology has sparked fears, but also new opportunities, for legal professionals.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of law from someone who has not only witnessed but shaped its past. With optimism, wit, and wisdom, Michael Payton offers a compelling vision of how lawyers and law firms can thrive amid change, anchored by timeless human instincts and professional values.
Get in Contact with UnWork:
If anything in this podcast has piqued your curiosity and you want to delve deeper into the conversation, please get in contact with us at unworking@unwork.com. We look forward to hearing from you!