This week on Lamb Limelight, we are pleased to be spotlighting our CEO, Mark Rowlands.
Tell us a little about yourself and your role in chambers.
“I am an Australian-born British national and have been living in the UK for the last 20 years. In 2017, I became the Chief Executive at Lamb Chambers and I handle the overall operations of the set. My responsibilities include developing business and marketing strategies, fostering client relationships, overseeing human resources, and ensuring compliance. I sit on the management board and work closely with the Head of Chambers and the rest of the members of the management board to drive the vision of the set.”
What first drew you to working in chambers?
“After 20 years working in Australia, the Middle East, the US and Europe with law firms such as Allens Linklaters, PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal, Clayton Utz, Reed Smith, Bird & Bird, King & Spalding and Morgan Lewis, I reached a point in my career where I was seeking a new challenge. I wanted to explore something different while still keeping my legal background and the valuable contacts I have developed. After discussing the opportunity to join with the Head of Chambers and reading the job description, I was drawn to Lamb Chambers for several reasons. The diverse job role stood out to me, and more importantly I recognised a genuine opportunity to make a difference.”
What’s your favourite thing about working in chambers?
“Its people – the people in our chambers, including both barristers and staff, work exceptionally well and foster a strong sense of collegiality. When we are not focussed on making our chambers a leading set, we are known for our socialising and enjoying each other’s company. It is truly rare to come into work and spend time with people you respect and enjoy being around.
Our clients – I also have a genuine passion for building and maintaining strong, long-lasting relationships with clients. I have been fortunate enough to have clients who have become friends which makes my job all the more enjoyable.”
What do you do to relax?
“I enjoy all sports particularly rugby (Wallabies/Waratahs/Sydney University/Bath), cricket and horse racing. I also love modern art, viniculture, country pursuits, cooking (including BBQ’s) and travelling.”
In a parallel universe, what would you be doing?
“I would be captain of Australia’s Olympic Wine-Swirl Synchronisation Team. Leading sixteen professionals, we would swirl our glasses in perfect unison, competing against other nations from France, Portugal, Germany and the USA and winning us a gold medal.”
