Graham Smith Associate Director - Crisis & Disputes

Associate Director - Crisis & Disputes Graham Smith

Graham leads the business development for our forensics teams. He is responsible for creating and maintaining long-term strategic partnerships with our clients and ensuring our team provide the highest level of service to our clients.

Experience

Over two and a half decades in the legal sector, Graham has developed a passion for business development, client service and people-leadership. Graham has held leadership positions at three of the UK's leading sets of barristers chambers, each of which underwent significant transformation and growth throughout his tenure.

In 2024, Graham was appointed Fractional Chambers Director at a new set that is disrupting the typical chambers model. Here, he supported the Head of Chambers to bring the set from concept to it's first 10 members over a 12-month period.

In 2022, Graham founded a coaching business offering practice development and personal growth services to support the Bar.

Work highlights

Graham has been acknowledged by both Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, with the former noting him as a 'Standout Performer'. Graham's teams have won awards for client service, and in 2020, his team won a series of awards, including 'Chambers of the Year' at The Lawyer Awards and 'Set of the Year' at the Chambers & Partners Bar Awards.

Accreditations/ memberships of professional bodies

  • Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with International Coaching Federation (ICF)
  • Associate Member of the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM)
  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management with the City & Guilds
  • Certified Mental Health First Aider (MHFA)

Area of expertise

  • Business Development Lead - forensics

What our clients say

Graham is highly capable in the business world and will provide completely bespoke guidance, wisdom, and truly effective encouragement. Through a combination of a deep understanding, and diligence in getting to know your situation, he truly moves the needle. Thank Graham for your outstanding guidance, encouragement and invaluable support.
With Graham’s encouragement I have arranged and pursued several initiatives with colleagues and clients that otherwise I might not have had the foresight or assurance to pursue. I cannot recommend Graham highly enough.

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