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Why being a ‘rough diamond’ is a strength for lawyers
The traditionally conservative profession of law has, in recent years, seen practitioners across the board embrace their authentic selves. Here, one firm owner reflects on being comfortable with not being a “polished gem”.
Jerome Doraisamy
Speaking recently on The Boutique Lawyer Show, Bowes Legal principal and director Jane Bowes (pictured) argued that being a “rough diamond”, which some in the profession might consider a flaw, is actually her greatest strength as a practitioner.
This is especially so, she said, in her role as a personal injury lawyer representing everyday Australians.
She recalled a defining moment in her career when a former boss described her as a “rough diamond”. Initially unsure how to take the comment, she later realised it was a compliment, reflecting her unique approach to law.
“I went home and said to my husband, ‘He said I’m a rough diamond’, and he replied, ‘It’s better than being a polished gem’,” Bowes said.
This sentiment was echoed by another partner at a different firm, reinforcing the notion that her unpolished authenticity was an asset.
For Bowes, being a rough diamond means being relatable to her clients, who are often from working-class backgrounds.
“My clients aren’t big corporate; they’re just normal working-class people,” she said.
“They’re nurses, they’re in the mines, or, you know, they don’t want someone that’s hoity-toity looking down their nose at them. They want someone who is a real person.”
This connection with clients is a cornerstone of her practice, Bowes said, allowing her to build trust and rapport that go beyond the courtroom.
Bowes’ journey to embracing her true self was not without its challenges. Like many in the profession, she initially felt pressure to conform to a certain image of what a lawyer should be, influenced by media portrayals and traditional expectations.
“I used to hate that about my personality when I was in the profession because you watch all the shows and you think you need to dress a certain way, look a certain way, but that wasn’t me, and I can’t be that,” she said.
However, by staying true to herself, Bowes has not only found personal fulfilment but also professional success.
This shift towards authenticity is part of a broader movement within the legal profession. As more lawyers, especially women, strike out on their own, there is a growing recognition of the value of individuality.
“There’s lots of us now, a lot of women going out on their own,” Bowes said.
“I think we’ve finally just absolutely had enough of this partnership structure where the men tend to vote.”
The transcript of this podcast episode was slightly edited for publishing purposes. To listen to the full conversation with Jane Bowes, click below:
