Making Change Happen: Stephen Revell on Building Law Firms That Last

In this episode of This Legal Life, host Ben Chiriboga sits down with Stephen Revell—Founder, Senior Partner at Making Change Happen—to explore what it really takes to future-proof a law firm and lead with purpose.

A Freshfields veteran with 43 years at the firm, Stephen shares his evolution from international dealmaker to trusted advisor helping law firms around the world navigate leadership transitions, strategy, and client relationships. He opens up about the power of going first, the importance of mentoring the next generation, and why law firms must be built for longevity—not just short-term success.

Meet Our Guest:

Following his retirement as a partner at Freshfields, Stephen has established a consulting firm – Making Change Happen – through which he provides management advice to law firms and other professional service providers throughout the world. He advises on a wide range of topics relevant to the management of law firms, ranging from governance and remuneration to right-sizing business services and implementing new pricing strategies. He works for law firms all over the world and of many different sizes and shapes. As part of his work for law firms, he often speaks directly to partners either in one-on-one mentoring sessions or at partner retreats.

Stephen practiced at Freshfields for over 41 years on 3 different continents and was a partner for 33 years. He was actively involved in creating Freshfields’ Stronger Together initiative, its network of relationship firms around the world that allows it to deliver Freshfields’ service to clients in any market. He has extensive experience representing corporate and institutional clients in all types of corporate transactions – from M&A and joint ventures to IPOs, equity offerings, and debt offerings of all kinds – many with a cross-border element and involving emerging markets. He has worked in over 50 countries.

As part of his portfolio of activities, he is a member of the advisory boards of several law firms and is an independent non-executive director on the board of several companies including Crown Resorts Limited, a leading player in the Australian entertainment industry.

He is co-author of a variety of books and a regular speaker on law firm management topics. Most recently he edited a second edition of Business Development – an IBA/Globe book that is the ‘bible’ on the subject.

Stephen has been very active in the IBA for many years and is involved in a wide array of projects, activities, and committees. He is the immediate former Co-Chair of the Law Firm Management Committee, the SPPI/PPID Representative on the LPD Council, and a member of the Group Members Membership Committee.