Steve Rowe and Suzi Sendama were interviewed by DAKS as part of their ‘An interview with…’ series and photographed in some of their latest collection. Below is an extract from the interview – you can read the full thing over on the DAKS website here, as well as shopping Steve and Suzi’s looks.
Mishcon de Reya is an international law firm with offices in London and New York. Founded by Lord Mishcon in Brixton in 1937, it attracted attention in the 1990s when it represented Princess Diana in her divorce. It has since acted in numerous high-profile matters, including representing Gina Miller in her successful Supreme Court challenges to the process of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and Boris Johnson’s suspension of parliament and acting for global brands including Microsoft, Sky, American Express, Christian Louboutin, Kering Group, Universal Music and Prada.
Suzi Sendama is a litigator acting for clients across a range of sectors. She is shortlisted for Woman of the Year – Rising Star at the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards 2020 and is a finalist for the Rising Star Award at Legal Week’s 2019 Commercial Litigation and Arbitration Awards.
Stephen Rowe is Head of Business Development covering Real Estate and Sectors including Fashion & Retail.
What do you wear for work?
SR: I’m old-school; my uniform is a dark suit and open-necked shirt, with a tie for client-facing events or meetings.
SS: My work wardrobe consists mainly of dresses. I love tailored shift dresses but I also have quite a few floaty dresses in pretty prints which more easily transition from the office to a client lunch or an evening event. I’m usually not afraid to be bold with colours, but there are occasions where you’ll find me in something more “sensible”, for example when I’m attending Court.
Define each other’s style in 3 words?
SR: For Suzi: free-spirited, bold, glamorous.
SS: Three words to describe Steve’s style? Very rarely understated.
SR: Ha, I’m not that flamboyant, am I?
SS: Not at all – you’re always dressed perfectly for the occasion.
Is there a dress code within law as a sector?
SS: Not really. Clients expect a level of professionalism but it’s certainly no longer necessary for all of the men in the office to be in a suit and tie, unless they are attending court. Before I started at Mishcon, I went shopping for a power suit, thinking that everyone in the office would be in a suit at all times but I realised from day one that was a misconception.
SR: Within the legal sector, the dress code is frequently driven by client expectations. Media clients, for example, wouldn’t necessarily expect a suited lawyer.
Interview: DAKS
Photographer: Ciaran Lee