Norton Rose international man of mystery Campbell Steedman heads the firm's M&A practice in the Middle East

Why did you become a lawyer?

I would love to say that I was torn between professional golf, professional rugby and medicine. However, the reality is that my golf is useless (and getting worse), rugby was not professional in the 1980s (and mine was also useless) and I am scared of blood. So, law it was from about age 10.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

Campbell White, the partner with whom I trained in Scotland – an excellent technical and commercial lawyer, but for whom hard work, integrity, loyalty, practicality and good humour were the keys to success; and my wife, Sally, who has supported me at every step.

What is your proudest professional moment?

There have been a number, but the relationship which we have built with Nestle over the past four years has given a great sense of achievement, as we have reworked the way in which we have handled M&A and adopted many of the practices with Norton Rose generally.

…and worst day on the job?

Playing for Norton Rose RFC when we lost the City Rugby Cup Final to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in front of John Rutherford about five years ago; indeed, losing anything (particularly potential business).

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

Trevor Brown of Nestle and Abdul Wahid al Ulama at Dubai World – each of whom in different ways has put their individual mark on the role of in-house counsel.

What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait?

Strongest characteristic – a passion for what I do. Worst trait – probably the same!

How do you think assistants in your team view you?

With curiosity and from a distance, usually asking: "where is he today?" I hope in the same way as I regarded Campbell White – although perhaps with reservation on the technical side!

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

To have a belief and passion in what they are doing, rather than just seeing it as another job – but to keep a sense of perspective.

What's the best part of your job?

Variation – rarely are two days the same, either in geography or work.

What most annoys you about the legal profession?

The emphasis and importance attached to league tables. They are not necessarily a reflection of reality and, too often, are a total irrelevance to clients.

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

The latter.

What's the daftest bit of corporate jargon you've heard (and did you smirk)?

The term 'magic circle' when used in the Middle East always makes me smile.

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

Continued global investment from the Middle East against a background of likely recession should keep us busy.

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

They may feel our reputation as a 'friendly firm' (which it is) will mean it is a soft ride (which it is not).

Why should aspiring lawyers join your firm?

Excellent quality of work, excellent clients, good integrated international network, strong focus on 'Headlights' (energy and infrastructure, international corporate finance, financial institutions, transport and technology) and the reputation as a friendly firm is merited.

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

Professional golfer.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?

One for Peter Martyr I am afraid – my career path 22 years ago anticipated Glasgow to London with a settled job in the City, so I am not much of a visionary.

What's your favourite item of clothing?

Jim Renwick's 'Saltires' rugby shirt in my office in Dubai, or the 'Scottish' Lions one at home.

What would you put on your tombstone?

"Well, my bags are packed, I'm ready to go…"

What's your favourite cheese?

As a Maclean, nothing beats an Isle of Mull Cheddar.

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