Weil Gotshal M&A partner Ian Hamilton on a memorable worst day on the job and being the butt of Cooke and Compagnoni's jokes

Why did you become a lawyer?

I read engineering and economics at university, and law was never really part of the plan. The attraction of another two years of student life after university was probably a big factor. It was a good decision – I met my wife at law school.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

Steve Cooke of Slaughter and May, with whom I worked more than any other partner as an associate and as a trainee; and Mike Francies, who has helped me in many ways, particularly in the difficult transition from associate to partner.

What's your proudest professional moment?

Being made a partner.

… and worst day on the job?

When I was a junior associate I stayed out until 5am for a friend's leaving drinks. The following morning I overslept and was over two hours late for a client meeting (with their new legal director). I tried to make up for it by taking her to lunch, but then couldn't find the restaurant. We wandered around Smithfields looking for it for 20 minutes in the rain. The client partner was, understandably, livid with me. I bought her (the partner) some flowers by way of apology, which one of the other partners described as 'folly'. I haven't missed a meeting since.

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

There are many, but here are two. Mark Rawlinson of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, who is a fellow Man United fan and a pleasure to deal with; and Steve Cooke, who combines enormous energy and fantastic legal and client skills with a great sense of fun and mischief. I once had a trainee (now a partner at another firm) who looks quite like me; Steve had the name plates on our office door changed to 'Mr T. Weedledum' and 'Mr T. Weedledee'.

What's your strongest characteristic…

My ability to get on with people.

… and worst trait?

Marco Compagnoni says my ginger hair. My wife has a list longer than your arm.

What's the best part of your job?

My colleagues.

How do you think assistants in your team see you?

We have annual anonymous 'upward reviews' of partners so I have a pretty good idea. My British reserve prevents me from disclosing the good points, and embarrassment the bad ones!

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

Don't do anything really stupid (see my 'worst day on the job'. Don't stay in the office late when you don't need to – if that's important at your current firm then go somewhere else.

What most annoys you about the legal profession?

The way we normally charge for our services – time spent on a matter is a very crude measure of value.

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

Some seem to think that working for an international law firm means they will get the chance to work in all of the firm's offices and constantly be on the road.

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

It would be career-limiting to answer that.

Most memorable deal you ever have worked on and why?

Winning the contested takeover of Canary Wharf. It was a team effort with several law firms, investment banks and others working hard for months to a successful conclusion, and included an unprecedented three successful Takeover Panel appeals. Going unconditional was almost as good as being in Moscow on 21 May this year for the UEFA Champions League final.

How depressed are you about the state of the deal markets?

I studied economics so I know it is certain things will bounce back. Things are not that bad – we are busy on a wide range of transactions, private equity and otherwise, and I don't believe many M&A lawyers are sat around kicking their heels. In any event, I don't get depressed about anything – I have a great job, good health and a wonderful family, so how could I?

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

'Blamestorming' – sitting round at the end of a failed deal working out who was at fault. Fortunately, I haven't been involved in one. Yes, it did make me smirk.

What's the best bit of advice Mike Francies has ever given you?

In September last year he suggested I book a cheap flight to Moscow for 21 May.

Do you see yourself having a career outside law?

No. All the other things that I might like to do I have no talent for.

What's your favourite item of clothing?

My Manchester United socks.

What's your favourite cheese?

Anything that smells like the above.