Gilchrist Connell’s head on firm identity, having good people, and leadership

Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network

Under Richard Wood’s stewardship in the last 17 years, Gilchrist Connell has grown from 40 staff to almost 300. Here, he reflects on his journey as head of the national firm and its looming leadership change next year, guarding the firm’s culture and sitting in an “amazingly competitive” space.

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Gilchrist Connell (GC) managing partner Richard Wood about his journey in law, reflections on assuming a leadership position and heading up GC for 17 years, handing over the reins in mid-2025, and having a strong sense of the firm’s identity and vision.

Wood also delves into his role as a mentor to the next generation, operating in the insurance space (which he called “probably the most competitive space” in legal services), challenges and opportunities ahead for GC, what it means to be a good leader in law, prioritising wellbeing of staff, and what he is most looking forward to ahead of handing over the leadership reigns.

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