Ashurst finance partner Helen Burton on role models, almost marrying colleagues and the honour of being asked to 'action' Dealmaker

Why did you become a lawyer?

I was never talent-spotted to become a supermodel or international star of stage and screen, and X Factor came too late.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

Erica Handling, we've worked together at Allen & Overy (in New York), Weil Gotshal & Manges and Ashurst – so both literally in terms of geography, and also as an inspirational lawyer.

What's your proudest professional moment?

Being asked to contribute to Dealmaker.

…and worst day on the job?

Far too many bad days to pick out a single one, though temporarily misplacing bearer share certificates ranks up there.

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

As head of diversity at Ashurst I think the part female role models play for younger assistants can be incredibly valuable. Anne Baldock at A&O, the first partner I worked for, demonstrated it is possible to balance a successful career as a transactional lawyer with a family life.

What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait?

Impatience, which can be viewed as either a positive or negative, depending on whether it is achieving something or simply annoying.

What most annoys you about the legal profession?

Lawyers who give advice without thinking about the commercial context.

What's the best part of your job?

Clients and colleagues. Working in the City, it is easy to take for granted the fact that we are surrounded by highly intelligent and highly motivated colleagues and clients (mostly!).

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

Is it acceptable to marry a work colleague – luckily the man in question left Ashurst before this became a real problem.

What advice do you have for those hoping to balance being a partner in a City firm with enjoying a life outside work?

Teamwork is the key, if you can build a team where one colleague will step in to cover another and vice versa, it makes work-life balance more achievable.

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

This is a moving feast depending on the amount of wine consumed.

Most memorable deal you ever have worked on and why?

Probably Gala Coral, as I have worked on their financings and refinancings every year since arriving at Ashurst.

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

While working as a waitress, I'm not sure whether it counts as one I attended at an oil and gas party in Newcastle. It took a turn for the worse when the strippers arrived.

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

Restructurings, restructurings and yet more restructurings.

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

The key to becoming an invaluable lawyer is understanding your client's business.

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

Waiting for things to be 'ovened', 'fridged' or 'actioned', and, yes, I always smirk.

Do you see yourself having a career outside law?

I hope so – retraining as a yoga teacher is a nice thought, though I may be getting a little old.

What's your favourite item of clothing?

My collection of shoes. It is impossible to pick a favourite, usually the most recent purchase.

What's your favourite cheese?

Tomme de Savoie.

Visit Legal Week's Dealmaker archive to read more profiles.