Kate Barton is eager to listen to various stories and insights – and to learn from them
Kate Barton made headlines across the global legal profession when she was announced as Dentons’ new global CEO last week. The ex-EY global vice chair has big shoes to fill, but she’s eager to fill them, working together with the firm’s global management committee, global board, partners and other leaders.
In this interview, Barton talks to Australasian Lawyer about the three things she’ll bring to Dentons from EY, wanting to learn from different teams within the firm, and why she thinks the profession is at a “pivotal” juncture.
What inspired you to make the jump to Dentons?
What attracted me to Dentons is that Dentons is not like any other law firm. As a challenger brand, as the only truly polycentric global law firm and the world’s largest law firm, it occupies a position of differentiation in the legal profession and has unmatched breadth and depth. I have watched Dentons redefine the legal services landscape with its pioneering business strategy and client offerings, and I admire the firm's ability to adapt to the ever-changing world of technology and innovation.
I am also a lawyer who has extensive experience in leading a complex global professional services firm, and so I look forward to joining Dentons and to continuing the firm’s momentum in delivering excellence for our clients and our people.
What initiatives are you looking to prioritise as global CEO?
Understanding and anticipating clients’ needs is at the core of Dentons, and the firm is committed to deepening client relationships, ensuring that its services are tailored to meet clients’ evolving demands. I will continue to focus on this client-centric approach and accelerate the progress Dentons has made as a firm and the strategies developed by the global board.
Dentons is also deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse and equitable firm. I will continue to promote a culture where every member of the firm feels valued and empowered to contribute, as I know this will benefit our people and the service we can deliver to our clients. A key tenet of Dentons' success so far is client-driven growth – this will be a key strategic priority.
What is your vision for Dentons, and how do you plan to work with the executive team to shape and execute that vision?
Under Elliott’s leadership, this firm has differentiated itself with its polycentric approach and integrated cross-border and multidisciplinary client engagements, providing holistic business solutions to clients across more than 80 countries around the world. No other law firm has this reach. When I join in early September to begin a comprehensive handover period, I will spend time curating my strategic vision, in collaboration with the global management committee, global board, partners and with other leaders across the firm.
I look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks and months about that vision, and how we can carry the firm's momentum forward, together – as we continue to be the challenger brand to meet and exceed client needs.
You spent over 30 years at EY – what for you is the most memorable part of your tenure there?
Reflecting on my 35 years at EY, it is difficult to pinpoint a single most memorable part of my tenure, as there have been many impactful experiences. As I transition to my new role at the world’s largest global law firm, I know that my experience in effective mentorship and advocacy to help people achieve their potential is something I look forward to bringing to my new position for the continued success of the firm.
What are the top 3 things you learned from your time at EY that you feel you can bring to your new position?
As a long-time practicing lawyer at a global professional services firm, I have extensive experience working alongside lawyers, navigating complex organisations and managing processes and client relationships. EY and other large professional services firms have much to offer the legal industry in their approach to people, technology, systems, client service and processes.
The three learnings which strike me as parallels between EY and Dentons are:
- the importance of a globally aligned culture
- striving for world-class talent development with coaching and mentoring for all
- becoming a trusted business advisor to our clients
What are your thoughts on where the legal profession is at now?
The legal profession is at a pivotal juncture. The industry is experiencing rapid transformation driven by technology and AI, increasing client demands and the globalisation of legal services. Law firms must adapt to these changes by embracing innovation, enhancing their technological proficiency and maintaining a client-centric approach to deliver exceptional value.
What are you looking forward to in the coming year?
I look forward to joining Dentons in early September to begin a meaningful handover period. During this time, I will work closely with Elliott and the firm’s global leadership to ensure seamless and effective transition. I am eager to meet the various teams across the firm, listen to their stories and insights, learn from them and collaborate effectively to identify strategic business opportunities and drive success for our clients, our people and our communities.
