Why Stepping Beyond Legal Can Transform Your Career: Insights from a Leading COO

Our 2025 white paper posed the question, “Why are lawyers underrepresented in CEO roles?” The response to the publication was so overwhelmingly positive that the team decided to continue the conversation. We launched an interview series with Heads of Legal and General Counsel to explore what it truly takes to step out of one’s comfort zone and progress up the in-house career ladder. Although these legal leaders offered a wide range of perspectives, common themes emerged throughout their stories: pushing past fear and remaining open to the new and unknown.

In this latest interview in our in-house legal series, we’re joined by Chris Fowler, COO, Legal, Governance & Corporate Affairs, at Rio Tinto.

Chris's transition into a non-traditional legal role was shaped by early fears of losing professional identity, stepping away from technical legal work, and confronting the uncertainty of unfamiliar business disciplines. He grappled with feeling out of his depth, particularly when faced with budgeting, financial variances, and operational responsibilities that didn’t come with the structured pathways familiar in legal practice.

Over time, he learnt that business success requires influence rather than control, the ability to craft a compelling narrative, and the confidence to ask naïve questions without hesitation. He emphasised that fear of failure, of the unknown, of leaving the comfort zone, is the biggest barrier holding lawyers back from broader roles.

Chris's advice to those looking to make the jump, or in a similar position right now, is to examine what you truly want, challenge your self-imposed limitations, and proactively develop skills in communication, change management, and technology. He urges lawyers to build strong networks, seek supportive leaders, and embrace roles tied to outcomes, as these offer the greatest sense of purpose and professional growth.

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