Stephen Zubiago, CEO and Managing Partner of Nixon Peabody LLP, joins hosts Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg to share what it takes to lead an AmLaw 100 firm through growth, competition, and change. He talks about how Nixon Peabody LLP aligns talent strategy with client needs, develops attorneys at every level, and builds a culture where collaboration and entrepreneurial drive matter as much as expertise. Their discussion explores the firm’s focus on industries like financial services, real estate and affordable housing, healthcare, and technology, and why being selective about expansion is key to long-term strength.

This episode also looks at the bigger shifts reshaping the legal profession, including the race for talent, pressure to scale, and the rise of private equity in professional services. Stephen explains why Nixon Peabody LLP has turned down outside capital, how flexible remote work policies have strengthened retention after COVID, and why artificial intelligence is changing the way law is practiced. At the core of his leadership approach is a simple principle: the firm moves forward when its people do.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Stephen Zubiago’s Career Journey

02:49 Vision for Growth at Nixon Peabody LLP

03:54 Attracting and Retaining Top Legal Talent

04:57 Key Practice Areas and Industry Focus

06:33 Balancing Firm Size with Culture and Market Position

11:17 What Differentiates Nixon Peabody LLP

14:01 Private Equity and the Future of Law Firms

16:01 The Partnership Model and Capital Needs

18:16 Managing Pricing Pressures in Legal Services

23:21 Navigating Challenges and Future Opportunities

24:01 Remote Work, Flexibility, and Retention

28:53 Innovation, Industry Focus, and AI in Legal Practice

Links

Connect with Stephen Zubiago:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-zubiago-3141815/

Website Bio: https://www.nixonpeabody.com/people/zubiago-stephen-d

Connect with Howard Rosenberg:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrosenberg/

Company Web Profile: https://www.baretzbrunelle.com/howard-rosenberg

Connect with Chris Batz:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbatz/

LinkedIn Company Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbus-street/

Columbus Street Website: https://www.columbus-street.com/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm