6 minute read
In the latest edition of our "Meet the Team" series, we spoke with one of Xperate’s newest team members, Jon Roscow. In this interview, we find out why he joined Xperate, what motivates him in his role as Head of Development Sales, and his views on the biggest opportunities in Legal Tech today. Jon also shares what legal tech vendors typically look for in a development partner, the challenges he faces, and how he finds balance outside of work.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day-to-day role at Xperate.
I’ve recently stepped into a newly created role at Xperate, one that builds on the incredible work Simon Hill and Mark Garnish have been doing over the past couple of years. As the market continues to evolve, it’s become clear there’s real value in having someone focus solely on the ‘Development as a Service’ side of the business, and that’s where I come in.
My background is in legal technology - I’ve been working in the legal space for over 20 years and, over the last decade, working with firms in a fractional capacity, frequently as a General Manager or Commercial Director. That’s given me the chance to collaborate with a wide range of vendors and legal businesses across the UK and US, particularly those looking to expand or establish themselves in new markets.
At Xperate, my role often begins with a specific project, which frequently evolves into something more ongoing and strategic. I work closely with both law firms and legal tech providers, helping them navigate special projects and turn ideas into real-world solutions.
It’s an exciting space to be in, and having Xperate behind me means I can bring the right blend of experience, structure, and flexibility to every conversation. No two days are the same - and that’s exactly how I like it.
Why did you want to join Xperate, and what is it about working at Xperate that you enjoy most?
This role is quite different from what I’ve done in the past, and that’s exactly what appealed to me. I’d had a number of conversations with Simon and Mark over time, and I found myself really buying into their ethos and the direction they’re taking Xperate. Their strong reputation in the industry certainly stood out, but more than that, it was the clarity of their vision that drew me in.
I wasn’t actively looking to take on a full-time role, but the culture at Xperate and the people behind it really made the decision easy. There’s something genuinely compelling about what the team is building here. It’s a unique position in the market, and that niche focus really resonates with me. There’s a great energy and a shared sense of purpose across the business. Everyone is aligned on what we’re trying to achieve, and that makes it a fantastic environment to be a part of.
What do you see as the biggest challenges or opportunities for growth in the legal tech sector right now?
There are quite a few recurring themes I hear from firms, and while they often present as challenges, I actually see them as some of the biggest opportunities for growth in the sector.
One of the biggest ongoing shifts is the move to the cloud. It’s a positive step in many ways, but it also comes with real complexities, especially around data access, ownership, and control. Firms are navigating a world where they have less direct control over their systems, and that creates uncertainty.
AI is another area full of both excitement and hesitation. There’s a lot of talk about game-changing potential, but it’s essential to acknowledge the growing pains - data quality, data privacy, and figuring out what’s genuinely achievable. We’re currently in what you might call the “trough of disillusionment,” where firms are realising the challenges and dependencies of a successful AI strategy. That said, AI will come good. It just won’t be the overnight revolution some people are hoping for.
Another recurring challenge is around outsourcing. There’s still a cultural hesitation in some areas - concerns about control, or whether external partners can deliver to the same standard. At the same time, internal development teams aren’t always first-class either. When key developers leave, it can leave firms exposed. That’s where Xperate can offer stability and continuity, helping teams scale quickly and support critical systems without losing momentum.
There’s also the classic "buy versus build" debate. Firms often believe they can build something better in-house, but that comes with its own risks. All of these questions, cloud, AI, and outsourcing, are part of a much bigger conversation about how firms want to evolve.
What are legal tech vendors typically looking for when they come to Xperate, and how can you help them get the most from the partnership?
In most cases, vendors approach us because they’ve identified a specific need for development support, whether that’s integrating two existing systems, implementing something entirely new, or simply increasing the pace of their development needs cost-effectively.
Some firms are looking to build new platforms from the ground up, while others want to modernise or enhance their current solutions. That could mean rewriting legacy systems, refining existing architecture, or designing entirely new features. Whatever the challenge, Xperate has the team to handle it.
We’ve got a wide range of incredibly talented developers working with the latest technologies. What makes us different is our flexibility - we can work from scratch, improve what’s already there, or plug into ongoing development needs in an efficient and scalable way.
Ultimately, if something doesn’t exist yet, chances are we can build it. It’s about helping clients move faster, with confidence, and knowing they’ve got the right expertise behind them.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?
To be honest, there aren’t many challenges that stand out just yet - but that’s not to say there isn’t plenty to get to grips with. Xperate offers a wide range of services, solutions, and processes, making one of the biggest tasks for me in my first few months to get up to speed with everything the business does.
There’s always something new to learn, and. the great thing is that I’m surrounded by an incredibly supportive and knowledgeable team that makes everything a lot easier. It’s a collaborative environment where people genuinely want to help, and that makes a big difference when you’re getting started.
What motivates you to achieve success?
I’m naturally very competitive - I like to succeed, but more importantly, I want to succeed as part of a team. There’s something incredibly rewarding about being part of a group that’s achieving something meaningful together.
For me, it’s about adding real value. I want the work I do to make a difference, whether that’s to a client, a colleague, or the wider business. I’d like to think that throughout my career, I’ve been able to have a positive impact and contribute to something bigger than myself.
I’ve always tried to align myself with good people, good teams, and good products. Anyone can deliver something, but doing it the right way, with integrity and purpose, that’s what matters to me.
How do you unwind outside of work?
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me noodling on a guitar - although I’ll be the first to admit I’m no rockstar! I’m a big fan of AC/DC fan which is common knowledge in the legal industry. I love live music and frequently go to gigs and festivals. More often than not, I’m with a few legal tech colleagues watching bands such as Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, Iron Maiden or Bruce Springsteen.
I’m always up for travelling and exploring new places. I just got back from an amazing three-month trip around Southeast Asia, where I visited an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, took a two-day cruise on the Mekong River, enjoyed incredible food in Vietnam, partied in Jakarta, and even went hunting for tarantulas! Vietnam and Cambodia stood out as my favourite stops, but I’m already planning a similar adventure in Central America. Climbing Machu Picchu is definitely on my bucket list.
And when I’m back home, I’m always partial to a glass of red wine, trying out new restaurants in London and catching up with friends.
Connect with Jon on LinkedIn here.
