Gideon Moore, Global Managing Partner, Linklaters

What is your position and what do you do on a day-to-day basis?

I am the Global Managing Partner for Linklaters. Due to the nature of my role, my job varies hugely each day, but broadly I am responsible for the day to day management of the firm and its people, as well as being responsible – along with my executive committee – for the strategic direction of the firm.

My days involve lots of meetings with fellow partners to discuss the areas of focus for us as a firm, as well as members of the business teams who are vital in helping us to reach these goals. Due to the international nature of my role, I also spend a lot of time with colleagues in offices around the firm’s network as well as spending time with our clients and representing Linklaters at external speaking events with colleagues in the legal industry and wider professional services and finance community.

How long have you been in this role and what brought you here?

I have been Firmwide Managing Partner since November 2015 and was elected into this role by my fellow partners after being recommended to them by the firm’s partnership board. Before that I was Global Practice Head for our Banking team at Linklaters having joined as a partner from DLA Piper in 1999. I was previously an associate at Clifford Chance.

What is the best and worst part of the day for you?

As no two days are alike, ever, this is a tricky one. I really enjoy meeting children and telling them about Linklaters, trying to fire their ambitions. Having to inform colleagues that their long-term careers will not be at Linklaters is not easy at all, but I do realise that it is far tougher for the recipient to hear than me to deliver.

Any memorable cases or transactions?

Many. I loved being a transaction lawyer doing leveraged financed deals, invariably acting for the banks. The acquisition of TDC (the Danish Telecoms company) was the second largest leveraged deal in the world at the time, and the subsequent debt buy-back kick started a new market. I always looked forward to the nest deal.

What advice would you give to junior associates early in their career?

Seize the opportunity with both hands. See life from your client’s perspective, contribute to the success of your team and ask questions.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Being asked to join Linklaters as a partner, being appointed head of banking, then FMP, are all tremendous highlights of course, but up there, is seeing our talented trainees come through and join the Partnership. Passing the flame is so satisfying.

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