Allen & Overy partner Anne Baldock is one of the City’s top projects lawyers
Why did you become a lawyer?
My Spanish teacher at secondary school told me I’d make a good lawyer as I could argue convincingly that black was white — I’m still lousy at Spanish.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
Without doubt, Tony Humphrey, who now heads our
What’s your proudest professional moment?
Seeing my trainees and associates become partners.
…and worst day on the job?
Any day when the only argument the other side has is “that’s not standard SOPC4/BBA/insert any other chosen standard form”.
Aside from your own firm, which lawyer do you most admire and why?
I have great admiration for Fiona Woolf. Her achievements speak for themselves. Fiona is a great role model for women lawyers, as well as being a thoroughly nice person to boot.
What’s your strongest characteristic… and worst trait?
Strongest characteristic is willingness to stand up for what I believe is right. Worst trait — inability to suffer fools gladly.
How do you think assistants in your team view you?
Scary but nice. I hope that they think that I am approachable (if elusive) and someone that will take time out not just to give them the answer they want but to help them to find the answer for themselves. I think I’m seen as someone who will challenge answers, but in a way that is designed to bring out the best in people rather than to make them feel small.
What’s the best part of your job?
The variety. The fact that you are always, always learning.
What most annoys you about the legal profession?
Pedantic lawyers that you can see are not providing their clients with the best advice and are not adding value.
What’s your strongest card — technical wizardry or smooth client skills? (You can only pick one)
My ability to convert complex technical wizardry into client-speak.
What advice would you give to young deal lawyers starting out?
Never turn your nose up at any work you are offered. All experience is good experience and you should aim to get as wide a grounding as possible at an early stage.
What will be the most significant market trend in terms of your practice area over the next 12 months?
A continual movement of public-private partnership techniques/markets to the
What is the most common misconception trainees have about the firm before they arrive?
Trainees these days seem incredibly well-informed about law firms and their choices. The chances of any of them having any major misconceptions these days are, I think, remote.
Who is A&O’s funniest partner?
Nigel Pritchard. His humour is drier than the
What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Become fitter!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
With three children I have difficulty knowing what I’m going to be doing at the weekend, let alone in 10 years’ time.
What would you take on a desert island?
My family — we could while away the hours watching for a ship having our usual family arguments about who should sweep the floor/tidy up the cave or load the nearby dishwashing stream. If it had to be a ‘thing’, I guess it would have to be one of those nifty army knife-type gadgets. Not that I would necessarily be able to use it but I would at least feel I could look my rescuers in the face rather than have to admit I’d wished for something pathetic like my favourite cheese.
What’s your favourite item of clothing?
I daren’t say. If I do my daughter will steal that as well.
What would you put on your tombstone?
It’s not original, but I’ve always liked “I told them I was ill”.
What’s your favourite cheese?
Port Salut.
Dealmaker returns in two weeks.
