🎙️ From General Counsel to Managing Director: Jonathan Cope on Reinvention and Leadership at RSA Group

Lessons I Learned in Law

Season 8 of Lessons I Learned in Law continues in partnership with Wordsmith AI, the legal-AI platform built for in-house teams.

This week, Scott is joined by Jonathan Cope, Managing Director of the Specialty Lines business at RSA Group Insurance. After a decade as General Counsel and executive-team member, Jonathan made the rare move from legal leadership into a commercial managing-director role. He reflects on what it’s been like to step out of law after nearly twenty years and into a market-facing position in an industry built on relationships.

Jonathan shares three grounded lessons. First, the power of responsiveness, why speed, clarity, and reliability still define trusted relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or brokers. Second, how to handle mistakes: why openness and calm are the marks of true professionals, and how his own early misstep reshaped his career for the better. And third, the value of positive mental imagery, using focus, breathing, and mindset to overcome nerves and lead confidently in new environments.

His story is an honest and encouraging reflection for any lawyer considering a career pivot, showing how adaptability and curiosity can open doors far beyond traditional legal paths.

Guest Recommendations

• 📚 The Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving – A brilliantly written story with an unforgettable ending.
• 🎧 Desert Island Discs – Timeless conversations on life and music.
• 🎧 The Rest is History / The Rest is Politics – Smart, accessible takes on world events.

About Heriot Brown:
Heriot Brown is a leading global recruitment business specialising in the in-house legal market. We help lawyers find fulfilment in their careers by matching them with exceptional in-house opportunities, while fostering a thriving community of legal professionals who share insights, experiences, and growth.

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