Graham Cowley - celebrating 50 years in practice
February 27th was a particularly special day for Graham Cowley, Partner at Langley Twigg - for it was on this day in 1958 that he was admitted to the bar and embarked on a stellar legal career, which has spanned five decades. We asked Graham for his views on the profession he's still passionate about after all these years.
It comes as no surprise to hear that life as a lawyer today contrasts significantly with life as a lawyer in the 50s. "Back then the pace was slower," says Graham. "Written communication was by ordinary mail so there was more time to think while waiting for a response. It was much more personal too, with a lot of discussions taking place over the phone." Today, in Graham's view, the speed at which information is transmitted electronically brings with it the obligation to respond quickly, which creates a sense of pressure. But, life in the technological age also means that we have better access to information, and the opportunity to undertake broader research, which leads to options and solutions that weren't possible before. "Clients nowadays are better informed about legal issues and have a greater commercial understanding than when the law was more difficult to access," notes Graham.
For Graham, it has always been the people aspect of the job that makes it enjoyable. "I like the fact that my role involves a great deal of interaction with people - from clients to fellow practitioners, from judiciary to officials. For me, being an effective lawyer is about being able to relate to, and connect with, my clients in order to really understand their needs and achieve results for them." And this approach has led to many rewarding moments. Graham's standing in the profession resulted in his nomination as New Zealand Law Society President, a position he held from 1988-1991. This was perhaps Graham's proudest moment: "there is nothing more special than being recognised by one's peers."
Over the years, Graham has seen a change in the way young lawyers approach the practice of law. "In my view there is too much of an emphasis placed on straight academic achievement nowadays. At the end of the day, all legal problems relate to people and can't simply be theoretically resolved. To be good lawyers we must understand our clients and the environment in which they operate, and be part of the lives they lead."
Graham's advice for lawyers starting their career is to "work hard but at the same time, not make work your sole goal. A full life is important and actually puts you in a better position to meet your clients' needs." Graham himself has always made a point of being involved in the community. For over 30 years he was active in District and NZ Law Society administration. He was also the inaugural chair of the Legal Services Board, chair of the local power company a director in many companies and a trustee or board member of numerous educational, charitable and community bodies. "A well-rounded person is better able to help clients with their problems, as they can draw on a wider experience to find a solution." Graham has spent all but one of his 50 years in practice at Langley Twigg, a firm with a tradition of partners staying for the duration of their working lives. Graham says he is "just one of a number of longstanding partners." Langley Twigg's people-oriented philosophy fits well with his views on the role of a lawyer in the community. "I have always been proud to work here," he remarks.
For his colleagues, Graham is an integral part of Langley Twigg. "He was Managing Partner for a number of years - in fact many people equate Langley Twigg with Graham Cowley," says fellow Partner Stuart McLauchlan: "I respect him for his commercial acumen, I can go to him with difficult problems and he brings a wealth of experience. But he is more than a stand out lawyer; he is a fantastic personality around the firm and a great friend."
It is this sort of collegiality that Graham likes about working in a provincial firm; it is easy to get to know people, and many of his clients are friends or at least acquaintances. There are no long periods of travel, and, after a solid day at the office, there is still plenty of time for family (and his beloved golf course is only a few minutes away!) "It's possible to look after your clients well and still have a great work-life balance here. Life in sunny Hawke's Bay is hard to beat!"