Self-confessed deal junkie Andrew Sheach leads CMS Cameron McKenna's corporate practice

Why did you become a lawyer?

Sad as it may seem, I actually enjoyed my law degree and thought a career in the law would involve work which was both intellectually challenging and enjoyable. I have not been disappointed!

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

One of the great things about my firm is the support and encouragement I have been given at all stages in my career by many people. At the start I was very fortunate to work for partners such as Arfon Jones, Bruce Westbrook and Peter Hewes, who in their different ways emphasised the need to combine understanding of the law, delivering real client service and trying not to take yourself too seriously.

What's your proudest professional moment?

Being made a partner.

…and worst day on the job?

As a newly-qualified solicitor, realising I had failed to register a charge within the requisite time period, just as the relevant company was going into receivership.

What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait?

I don't let emotion get in the way of problem-solving – also a weakness, particularly at home my wife tells me!

How do you think assistants in your team view you?

Judging from how I have been consistently portrayed in the revue at our team Christmas party in the last few years, a fat bloke who wears braces and speaks loudly.

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

Do not be afraid to ask more experienced lawyers if you do not understand what you are being asked to do – the work we do is difficult and the recipient of the question probably would not have known the answer at your stage either (and may still not). If you are at a firm where this is difficult to do, find another one.

What's the best part of your job?

As a self-confessed 'deal junkie' it is working as part of a team to bring the various strands of a complicated transaction together to a successful completion.

What most annoys you about the legal profession?

Those lawyers who waste their (and our) clients' time and/or money negotiating at length points they would never agree to in a month of Sundays were our roles to be reversed.

What's your strongest card – technical wizardry or smooth client skills? (you can only pick one)

Client skills, I suppose.

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

We are all waiting to see how the credit crunch and state of the US economy play out in our market place. I do not think anyone really knows at present, but I remain cautiously optimistic.

What is the most common misconception trainees have about the firm before they arrive?

Our trainees are a pretty well-informed bunch but I'm always pleased when they say to me that we are indeed a good and friendly firm to work for and that the training is good (as though they hadn't quite believed our graduate recruitment literature).

Why should aspiring lawyers join your firm?

For the varied and exciting work, the excellent prospects and its real commitment to being a good employer and developer of talent.

Who is Camerons' funniest partner?

For consistently witty prose over a number of years, I would nominate Peter Mansfield for his regular column in our in-house magazine.

What's the silliest bit of corporate jargon you've heard? And did you smirk?

'Pilot fish marketing' – I am afraid I actually laughed.

What would you do if you weren't a lawyer?

Now that I'm too old to open the batting for England, I've no idea.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?

Wondering if Arsenal really can win their 10th Premiership title in a row.

What would you put on your tombstone?

No further effort to pronounce my name required.

What's your favourite cheese?

Stilton.

Dealmaker returns in the new year.