Why did you become a lawyer?
By accident. As my university career ended I found that all my friends were going to law school, so I joined them!
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
My family, for tolerating the disruption to their lives and, not least, when in 1998 I left for Hong Kong for three weeks and eventually returned home full time some two-and-a-half years later!
What’s your proudest professional moment?
As a young lawyer being presented with a Rolex (which I still wear) from the Sultan of Brunei for services rendered to the Brunei Government on the collapse of The National Bank of
… and worst day on the job?
The first was when I was marooned at
Aside from your own firm, which lawyer do you most admire and why?
Hal Novikoff at Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz in
What advice would you give to young deal lawyers starting out?
Remember to demonstrate real enthusiasm and that every task you are given is important, no matter how it might appear to you. This is because the first impressions you create on the partners you are working for will be lasting ones.
What’s your strongest characteristic… and worst trait?
Level-headed pragmatism and, on the other side, talking too loudly on the telephone!
What’s the best part of your job?
The ability to take more than one skiing holiday a year.
What’s the toughest ethical/moral dilemma your job has ever presented you with?
What to do or say when a lawyer on the other side is making point of law which you know to be wrong but which, if you stay silent, will benefit your own client.
What most annoys you about the legal profession?
When lawyers on the other side make unnecessary pedantic points in circumstances where they appear to be demonstrating no commercial acumen whatsoever!
What’s your strongest card — technical wizardry or smooth client skills (you can only pick one)?
Definitely client skills!
What’s the worst corporate event you’ve ever attended?
A go-karting event, which at first I enjoyed, even winning a race. However, it was only in the bar afterwards that I established that I was the worst driver on the track and that the only reason I had won a race was because everyone else was doing their utmost to avoid my kart!
Most memorable deal you ever have worked on and why?
It would have to be the Peregrine insolvencies in
Do you see yourself having a career outside law?
Yes, but it is all wishful thinking given that the youngest of my five children is only two.
What’s your favourite item of clothing?
My Abercrombie & Fitch flip flops.
What’s your favourite cheese?
Anything strong, soft and smelly!
Dealmaker returns in two weeks.
