A respected corporate infrastructure specialist and self-confessed tweakaholic, Steven Bryan is a partner at Lovells
Why did you become a lawyer?
A pushy parent, lack of imagination and a sneaking suspicion I might be good at it.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
Ken Woffenden (formerly of Simmons & Simmons, now of Stevens &
What’s your proudest professional moment?
Leading the team that won the double of the Legal Business M&A/Private Equity Team of the Year and The Lawyer Corporate Team of the Year in 2004 for work on the Northumbrian Water acquisition/initial public offering.
… and worst day on the job?
A toss-up between: (i) sitting in my office in Hong Kong in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests hearing rumours of imminent invasion by the People’s Liberation Army; and (ii) travelling to a client meeting past tanks and through deserted streets in
What’s your strongest characteristic… and worst trait?
Focus… and focus.
How do you think assistants in your team view you?
Apparently: approachable, focused (!), having a dry sense of humour, efficient, direct, dapper, demanding, fair, a ‘tweakaholic’, respected, infuriating, a good mentor, a good strategic thinker, a person who quickly gets to the crux of an issue, goes out on a limb for clients and sees the bigger picture.
What’s your strongest card — technical wizardry or smooth client skills? (you can only pick one)
I think we are meant to have both these days — OK, the former.
What’s the best part of your job?
Variety, and the satisfaction of delivering a result.
What is the most common misconception trainees have about the firm before they arrive?
That our sleeping pods are actual pods in the wall, like something out of Star Wars.
What advice would you give to young deal lawyers starting out?
Try to get as wide a range of experience as you can before being boxed in. Working in a smaller office outside
What most annoys you about the legal profession?
People making points they know (or should know) to be a load of nonsense.
What will be the most significant market trend in terms of your practice area over the next 12 months?
Given the recent tightening of the debt markets, who knows? Almost certainly leveraged deals being done on higher margins and with heavier covenants and more equity support. Also, continuing investment activity in the infrastructure sector with the trend favouring larger players with good origination and deal closing abilities and European reach.
What’s the silliest bit of corporate jargon you’ve heard? And did you smirk?
So many over the years. How about a PIC — ‘pay if you can’ — note?
Why should aspiring lawyers join your firm?
The work is varied and interesting, the international network offers career opportunities and, notwithstanding its size, the firm still has a friendly and supportive culture.
Who is the firm’s funniest partner?
The senior partner doesn’t look like John Cleese for nothing.
What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I’d be a very unsuccessful entrepreneur.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Hopefully still enjoying what I do and not paying school fees.
What’s your favourite item of clothing?
A linen suit which my family insists makes me look yellow.
What would you put on your tombstone?
“I said I was ill” (acknowledgement to Spike Milligan).
What’s your favourite cheese?
Vacherin.
Dealmaker returns in two weeks.