Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer veteran Mark Rawlinson is one of the best-known M&A partners in the City, holding a number of the magic circle firm's biggest client relationships

Why did you become a lawyer?

Initially, so I could spend another year at Cambridge – I changed course from history. Certainly not for the money – I started on £3,450 per annum, plus luncheon vouchers.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

Anthony Salz. When I was a newly-qualified lawyer he gave me the chance to do M&A rather than bond issues. I was his 'bag carrier' for several years.

What is your proudest professional moment?

As that rare commodity – a Manchester United fan born in Manchester – being asked by the United board to defend them from the Glazer bid.

…and worst day on the job?

Either 12 May, 2005, when the Glazer bid went through, or Valentine's Day 2002 – the 16-hour EGM for P&O Princess Cruises to approve the merger with Royal Caribbean, which was ultimately adjourned in the small hours.

Aside from those at your own firm, which lawyer do you most admire and why?

The deal lawyer who combines the charm and manners of Len Berkowitz (a Linklaters all-time great for those who are too young to remember him), the client list and PR flair of the Honourable Nigel (but not his taste in football teams), the experience and know-how of David Cheyne, Richard Godden's eye for detail, Steve Cooke's sense of fun but probably less hair gel, the drafting abilities of Duncan McCurrach (Sullivan & Cromwell partner in New York), Tim Emmerson's understanding of accounts, the drive of Mike Francies and the niceness on the other side of the table of a Charles Martin, James Palmer or Adam Signy.

What is your strongest characteristic… and worst trait?

Persevering to get things done… and irritating my family when they do not share my belief that the things need doing.

How do you think your assistants view you?

Probably a mixture of 'incredibly old', 'goes to the gym too much' and 'loud shirts and ties'.

How do you sell yourself in client pitches?

Like toothpaste – you do not choose toothpaste because it cleans your teeth. Just as you do not choose lawyers because they get the law right – that is a given. So it is something else, probably a combination of experience, empathy, being down to earth and a sense of humour.

What advice would you give to young deal lawyers starting out?

Make sure your other half is supportive and only gives you stick for not being there at the end of the deal (when you can cope with it), rather than in the middle (when you can't).

What is the best part of your job?

People – I have partners who are godfathers to my kids and clients who are close friends. Rarely do I go into a meeting room these days and not come across lots of familiar faces.

What most annoys you about the legal profession?

That we are typecast as people who profit from the misfortunes of others.

What will be the most significant market trend in terms of your practice area over the next 12 months?

Hopefully more hostile M&A – but we are dependent on the credit conditions remaining good.

What would you do if you were not a lawyer?

I would look for something which combined sport, kids and charity – something like the Wooden Spoon Society. If I had never started on this path, then I would loved to have climbed mountains. I went up Kilimanjaro at the end of my sabbatical in 2000. I have trekked in Nepal with my brother, Paul, and dragged my wife and three boys along the Machu Picchu trail in Peru. I have done the Four Peaks Challenge and the Engadin Cross Country Ski Marathon for charity. Without responsibilities, I would have done something higher and madder.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?

Not in the City. Hopefully, I will have found my sports charity but have time to spare to sit on cricket boundaries around the world watching England play.

What is your favourite lawyer joke?

One told by [Freshfields head of tax] Murray Clayson at the recent Partners Spring Dinner. "Bloke walks into a pet shop to buy a parrot. There are three of them, priced at £200, £400 and £800. 'What does the cheapest do?' he asks. 'Drafts and negotiates legal agreements' says the shopkeeper. 'And the middle one?' 'Oh he goes out and attracts lots of work.' 'And what does the expensive one do?' 'That one – nothing. But the other two call him senior partner.'"

What's your favourite cheese?

Stilton.