Nikki Bowker, head of dispute resolution at Devonshires, on career resilience, diversity in law and channelling Elle Woods when the pressure is on
What was your route into the profession?
I was one of those teenagers who knew what I wanted to do and, perhaps unusually, stuck to it. My dad always said it was because I liked arguing. I followed the traditional route of law degree, LPC and then a training contract (with a few other jobs along the way).
I was lucky enough to get a training contract at an excellent regional firm, working with some brilliant litigators, which felt like a real win after graduating post-financial crisis. That training gave me a great platform to build on when I joined Devonshires in 2014.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Returning from my first maternity leave straight into COVID restrictions meant working almost entirely from home, with very little in-person contact with colleagues, clients or my wider network. Although I was busy, it felt strange to be operating in my own bubble for so long. I then went on maternity leave again the following year, having only worked under those restrictions. By the time I returned after my second maternity leave, restrictions had lifted, but it had been what felt like an age since I had seen anyone in person. It took time to get back into the rhythm of things and to remind everyone who I was!
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
It’s impossible to choose just one. The founder of the Next 100 Years project, Dana Denis‑Smith OBE, and its patron, Lady Hale, are excellent examples of women driving real change in the profession. I have also been fortunate to work with many inspiring people throughout my career, including colleagues at Devonshires. Donna McCarthy, for example, left school at 16 and went on to become an equity partner and head of our largest department—a remarkable achievement.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
My dream alternate career would be in fashion; I’ve always loved clothes and style. I try to incorporate that love into my day job and enjoy putting together work looks that don’t necessarily fit the traditional lawyer dress code—I do temper my love of colour when attending court though, out of respect for both the people and the institution.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Elle Woods from Legally Blonde—and not just because I love pink. When I’m dealing with something tricky and need a moment of light relief, I try to channel her ‘What, like it’s hard?’ energy. As a fun aside, Reese Witherspoon negotiated into her contract that she could keep all of Elle’s now iconic wardrobe—a good example of successful legal negotiation behind the camera as well. When Devonshires launched our Facilities Management sector campaign ‘Legally FM’, it was partly a nod to Legally Blonde.
What change would you make to the profession?
Accessibility (both in terms of access to the profession itself, but also literally to the buildings and services lawyers need to use), alongside equality and diversity. There are many people pushing for change and while progress can be slow, it is happening. Highlights include the Bar Council appointing its first all-female leadership earlier this year and the steady increase in female partners across law firms.
I’m proud that Devonshires has achieved gender equality at partnership level. As with many sectors, diversity at the most senior levels in law is taking time, whether that be solicitors, barristers or the judiciary, but is hopefully on its way.
How do you relax?
I love open-water swimming—seas, lakes or rivers, I don’t mind which. There’s something incredibly freeing about floating along as a tiny speck in a vast expanse of water. It gives me the space to switch off my brain for a while and properly relax.
Nikki Bowker, head of litigation & dispute resolution at Devonshires
