Recently promoted to co-head of bank finance, Magdalene Bayim-Adomako is one of the rising City stars at White & Case

Why did you become a lawyer?

My parents wanted me to be a doctor, but the fact that I can't stand the sight of blood got in the way, so I looked at other professions and being a lawyer came out on top.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

My family. And, much as it pains me to say it since he will no doubt rib me about it, Maurice Allen.

What's your proudest professional moment?

Being made partner. I was voted in at a White & Case global partner meeting back in 2000, where I had to leave the room for the vote. To say that those next few minutes were nerve-jangling is an understatement.

…and worst day on the job?

In my career prior to White & Case I had to sit in on a number of staff redundancy meetings, which is never a pleasant experience.

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

Michael Mansfield QC and Andrew Yianni at Clifford Chance. Both possess enormous intelligence.

What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait?

I've got a very strong sense of right and wrong… and also a bit of impatience.

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

Make sure you get broad experience – don't specialise too early. And maintain a sense of perspective.

What's the best part of your job?

Choosing and building a great team and watching them flourish.

What's the toughest ethical/moral dilemma your job has ever presented you with?

I work in banking – they don't exist!

How do you think assistants in your team see you?

Open and firm but fair.

What most annoys you about the legal profession?

Its insularity and the fact that the way it is structured does not guarantee that the best talent will get the recognition and progression it deserves.

If you could change one thing about the profession, what would it be?

To make it more diverse.

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

Smooth client skills – at least I think so!

What misconceptions do junior lawyers have about the firm before they join?

We're still often bracketed with other US firms – the majority of which we see ourselves as being very different from. A lot of people underestimate the international nature of our business and the diversity of people that make up the firm.

What's the worst corporate event you've ever attended?

I once went to a corporate event (not at White & Case I hasten to add), where six bottles of red wine and six bottles of white were all that were on offer for the rather large crowd of attendees. It wasn't much of a party.

What's your best Maurice Allen anecdote?

There are so many, but so few that are suitable for public consumption. When he recruited me into his banking team, I told him I hadn't done a banking seat so I didn't have the necessary experience. He just replied that there was no real law in banking, just money – he's always been a man with an answer for everything.

Most memorable deal you ever have worked on and why?

When I was a junior lawyer I worked on a copper receivables financings and I had to go to Zambia to get documents signed at the Ministry of Finance. A colleague and I spent three days outside it waiting to get them signed.

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

The growth in emerging markets work and restructurings.

What is the daftest bit of finance-related jargon you've heard (and did you smirk)?

I recently heard of a 'neo-breach of facility': a breach that you don't really want to classify as one. Yes, I smirked.

Do you see yourself having a career outside law?

Maybe one day I'll be an academic or a teacher of some kind.

What would be your motto?

'Eyes on the prize.'

What's your favourite cheese?