Linklaters' Youle pilots new partner development programme

Linklaters private equity partner Richard Youle has taken part in a new partner development pilot that could see life coaches and third-party reviews rolled out across the magic circle law firm's private equity practice in a bid to enhance client development skills.

Youle (pictured) took part in a pilot provided by external consultants Peak Partner Performance (PPP) which saw three of his clients providing feedback on his work and what could be improved.

One of the clients was new, while he had worked with the other two for at least three years. Three private equity partners at Linklaters also provided feedback during the six-month pilot that kicked off in May, as well as four associates. Youle won two deal mandates as a result of the coaching and the firm is likely to consider bringing in third-party reviews across the private equity practice.

Youle told Legal Week: "I found it invaluable talking and working in this way with, and to, people who have a different perspective on how you run your business. In due course we will talk about whether to bring in these third-party reviews across the private equity practice as part of our ongoing client relationship management."

PPP is a joint venture between LexisNexis and online information provider and performance coach Seven Suphi of Odyssey Solutions. PPP is now hoping to set up several more projects with partners at UK top 50 firms.

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