Transforming How
Professionals Grow
Coaching, training and consulting for lawyers and professional services firms. Over thirty years of experience. Powered by the latest in AI.
A Different Kind of
Consultancy
"It's rarely the content of training material that is the most difficult part. It's cultural resistance."
Pennington Hennessy works at the intersection of coaching, training and consulting, with a clear focus on the legal sector and professional services. We don't deliver generic programmes. Every engagement is built around the specific challenges, culture and ambitions of the firm and the individuals within it. Our approach combines deep sector experience with structured frameworks and cutting-edge AI technology to produce lasting behavioural change, not just theoretical knowledge.
Three Pillars of
Professional Growth
Coaching
Bespoke coaching for individuals and groups, focusing on leadership development, practice growth and career transition. Our distinctive "Take Counsel" methodology goes beyond surface-level psychometrics to explore the underlying patterns of behaviour and motivation that shape a professional's approach to their work and relationships.
Training
Highly practical training programmes tailored to the specific needs of law firms and professional services. Our programmes integrate AI-powered role-play scenarios to provide realistic, scalable skills practice in a psychologically safe environment.
This is excellent Jamie and I think it will work very well here.
— Performance & Development Manager
Consulting
Strategic advice on brand positioning, business development frameworks and change management. We help firms define their unique value proposition, design firm-wide systems for winning new business, and navigate the cultural shifts that underpin lasting transformation.
AI-Powered Learning
for the Legal Profession
We have pioneered the use of AI-driven role-play scenarios for professional development. These bespoke simulations allow lawyers and professionals to practise difficult conversations, client interactions and business development skills in a realistic, psychologically safe environment — available on demand, infinitely scalable, and consistently challenging.
Unlike traditional role-plays, AI scenarios enable professionals to demonstrate competency through practice, not just acquire knowledge through instruction. Each simulation is tailored to the specific challenges and culture of your firm.
Explore our AI scenarios
Proven Frameworks,
Lasting Results
The 7-Step BD Process
A structured, systematic approach to business development that takes professionals from identifying opportunities through to winning and retaining clients. Each step builds on the last, creating a repeatable process that becomes second nature.
The 'Take Counsel' Method
Our distinctive coaching methodology goes beyond traditional psychometrics. Through a deep exploration of a client's life history, we uncover the underlying patterns of behaviour and motivation that shape their professional identity and effectiveness.
The 'Talking Money' Protocol
A four-stage process for scoping work, agreeing estimates, working within budgets and managing cash flow. Designed to help lawyers have more effective and confident financial conversations with their clients.
Jamie Pennington
Director · Former Visiting Professor, University of Law
Jamie Pennington has spent over thirty years working with lawyers and other professionals, helping them develop the skills, confidence and commercial awareness they need to thrive. His first career was in the military, where he worked in the Geographic Intelligence Systems side of Military Intelligence. Following his MBA he worked in both sales and marketing before moving into professional development, giving him a rare combination of commercial acumen and coaching expertise.
As Director of Pennington Hennessy and a Visiting Professor at the University of Law, Jamie brings both practical experience and academic rigour to his work. He has designed and delivered programmes for over half the UK Top 100 firms: firms ranging from international practices to regional.
Jamie is a pioneer in the use of AI for professional development, having developed a suite of AI-powered role-play scenarios that allow professionals to practise and refine their skills in realistic, bespoke simulations. More details can be found at penningtonhennessy-AI.com. He describes himself as an "AI scenario evangelist" — continually exploring what's possible as the technology advances, and then applying it with his clients.
His approach is grounded in a belief that lasting change comes not from instruction alone, but from understanding the deeper systems — cultural, behavioural and motivational — that shape how professionals work and grow.
I think it's great. I'd be interested in talking about developing it and how we could "own it" — but keep you working on the project.
HR Director — Law Firm
Let's Start a
Conversation
Whether you're looking to develop your team's business development capabilities, explore AI-enhanced training, or discuss a bespoke coaching programme, I'd welcome the opportunity to talk.