60 seconds with Amy Rowe in ThoughtLeaders4 HNW Divorce Magazine
This article was published in ThoughtLeaders4 HNW Divorce Magazine, Issue 18 (page 21), and can be seen here.
Imagine you no longer have to work. How would you spend your weekdays?
I would love to travel and eat my way around the world’s best restaurants, but given my children are aged only 4 and 18 months, in reality I would probably end up spending my time running around after them. In all honestly, I would find time to volunteer and help clients – I feel privileged to be able to do something that I am passionate about and genuinely gives me satisfaction.
What do you see as the most rewarding thing about your job?
Working as a family lawyer and mediator is an incredibly rewarding job. Clients rely on us at the most difficult times in their lives and it is an honour to be trusted to support and protect them through the process, and to secure the best outcomes for their children. I specialise in both domestic and international family law so my job is interesting and diverse from dealing with different nationalities, jurisdictional disputes, relocation cases, achieving the return of children who have been abducted, protecting victim-survivors of domestic abuse, protecting a child’s relationship with their parent and helping clients through surrogacy and adoption. The job is also intellectually stimulating and I feel fortunate to have been involved in many of the cases at
the cutting edge of legal changes in my field. Getting to help my clients, whilst at the same time being a part of legal developments is extremely satisfying.
What book do you think everyone should read, and why?
Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates is a book that had a profound impact on me. It is a powerful commentary on the way that lots of people live, and the theme is relatable to the situation that so many of my clients find themselves in.
What legacy would you hope to leave behind?
That my children are happy and fulfilled in their personal and professional lives (and that I made a mean margarita).
Do you have any hidden talents?
I asked my husband for the answer to this question and he said my childhood talent for Tetris on the Gameboy has translated to an uncanny ability to pack bags, stack a dishwasher, and parallel park like Lewis Hamilton.
What’s the most important quote you’ve heard that you have adapted to your personal or professional life?
“This too shall pass”. Being a family lawyer can be incredibly stressful as we deal with very emotional and, sometimes, traumatic cases. This phrase often serves as an anchor during anxious and challenging times.
Is there anything you want to do/achieve that you haven’t already?
So many things but the ones that come to mind right now are to visit South America, achieve a better work-life balance, and learn to play tennis – I have a wholesome vision of playing doubles with my husband and children when they get older.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Worry less… I have wasted a lot of energy worrying about things that never came to pass. And so much of what we worry about doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. I would tell my younger self that it will all work out so slow down, be present and have even more fun!
Where has been your favourite holiday destination and why?
The Philippines. The islands are beautiful, and the scuba diving was incredible. I spent three glorious weeks there learning to dive and I would love to go back.
What’s your go to relaxing activities to de-stress after a long day at work?
The nature of my cases and the fact that my clients are located all over the world means I never truly ‘switch off’, but relaxing at home and playing with my children is what I look forward to most at the end of a long day. Also, I am lucky to work with supportive and talented colleagues at Hunters Law and a chat at the end of the day helps to alleviates stress.
What brings you the most joy?
My children (when they are not being unruly), walking the dog in dappled sunlight in the woods, and enjoying good food and wine with family and friends.