Jon Vivian heads up SJ Berwin's highly-rated real estate practice

Why did you become a lawyer?

I ended up reading law at university rather by default without knowing much about what was involved. Miraculously I enjoyed it and have not been able to escape since.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

I have been influenced by a number of partners that I have worked with over the years, most notably Jim Cooke at Bells many years ago, who was a superb lawyer and mentor, and that doyenne of senior partners, David Harrel.

What's your proudest professional moment?

Being asked to become head of real estate at SJ Berwin – for this year anyway!

…and worst day on the job?

As a trainee, accepting a 'town' cheque for what seemed at the time to be a huge amount of money on the Friday of a bank holiday at a completion. I had an extremely uncomfortable bank holiday weekend until the cheque finally cleared. My colleagues were very supportive!

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

Graham White of Slaughter and May has always exhibited a calm authority and good sense. His excellence on acting for us on our office move and his promotion to executive partner at Slaughters are ample evidence of this. He is a good example of someone who hasn't needed to be aggressive to progress in a legal career.

What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait?

I'm good at bringing together teams of people and getting the best out of them, so I suppose I would say my leadership skills are my strongest characteristic. I am not prepared to reveal all of the less good traits, some of which were contained in my latest 360-degree appraisal, but one of them might have something to do with a short attention span!

How do you think assistants in your team see you?

I would hope very supportive of them with an appreciation of their point of view. We have a great team here who have worked together for a long time and we know each other's strengths and weaknesses.

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

"Let's tie up the legals in 48 hours."

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

We had a shocking one-day partners retreat at an unnamed London hotel five or six years ago. We all went to the Grove last weekend, which was a total contrast.

What most annoys you about the legal profession?

Often an inability to grasp the commercial strength and objectives of a client. We are here to do what our clients want us to do and to achieve their objectives, not to frustrate them. All too often this gets lost somehow.

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

Concentrate on the clients from day one. It is critical to develop an ability to change the way that you operate to fit different clients. This takes time and experience but, in the long term, will pay off. Stick with your clients through thick and thin – it is worth it.

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

I think that the rivalry between different firms is a bit overdone. We are all trying to do roughly the same job and at times a bit more of the spirit of co-operation would not be a bad idea.

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

Smooth client skills. Life is much easier with happy clients.

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

That it is a harsh environment here with a 'treadmill' mentality. This is not the case, but reality is not reflected in our external reputation at times.

Who's SJ Berwin's funniest partner and why?

Michael Metliss for his Bruce Forsyth impersonations at our fortnightly departmental communication
meetings.

Do you see yourself having a career outside law?

It's probably too late to change now, especially as Martin Johnson has taken over as England's rugby team manager.

What's your favourite item of clothing?

My very expensive sunglasses given to me by the team (and chosen by my amazing PA, Sue) to celebrate a significant birthday recently.

What's your favourite cheese?

Cheese is one of my favourite foods – there are so many to choose from, I couldn't possibly discriminate, and I am allowed cheese on my India Knight diet, which is a bonus!