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
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.