After a stand-off over the cheese question, Herbert Smith M&A heavyweight James Palmer hits Dealmaker

Why did you become a lawyer? My maths was not good enough to read economics at Cambridge (my first choice) and law was the only other subject I could think of. I started practice in the mid-1980s expecting to quickly move into a business career, but found I really enjoyed working as a lawyer.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career? Three Herbert Smith M&A lawyers had the greatest influence. Edward Walker-Arnott encouraged rigorous analysis and interest in the law but also strong commercial judgment (even though I never developed his love for public transport); Margaret Mountford (now of The Apprentice fame) who combined the same skills with an exceptional sense of fun; and David Willis, who is a great teacher.

What has been your worst day on the job? Awful days are more often to do with some event outside work. For example, our US securities team was in my group on 11 September, 2001. That's the one day that sticks out.

Outside your own firm which lawyers do you most admire and why? I have worked with Will Lawes and Mark Rawlinson at Freshfields for nearly 20 years, and both exemplify legal judgement, client skills and good humour, while Vanessa Knapp is an exceptional font of wisdom and has good judgement. At Slaughter and May, William Underhill and Charles Randell are outstanding lawyers. My Law Society and City Law Society company law sub committee colleagues have also provided many years of collegial debate.

What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait? Enthusiasm. As regards worst, the menu is long, but being opinionated is certainly one.

What advice would you give to young deal lawyers starting out? First, if you want to be a lawyer throughout your career, retain a real interest in the law and don't believe that all lawyers know the technical law so it's all about 'the deal'. That interest will provide an intellectual challenge long after you've negotiated your 50th set of private M&A warranties. Second, try to get along with those across the table rather than point-score, as people will respond to your style.

What's the best part of your job? Working with interesting people as well as the problem-solving element of the work.

What most annoys you about the profession? Tendencies not to see the wood for the trees and confusing general pessimism with concern for client interests.

What's your strongest card – technical wizardry or smooth client skills (you can only pick one)? Good lawyers need strong technical skills and a good understanding of their clients' objectives. I hope the clients I work with think my strength is in the latter but I suspect that it is in fact weighted to the former.

What's the worst corporate event you've ever attended? Perhaps a client go-karting day when I came last out of 40 – something to do with not understanding the advantages of overtaking.

Most memorable deal you have ever worked on and why? BAT Industries defence of Hoylake's hostile bid and related restructurings in 1989-90.

What's the daftest piece of corporate jargon you've heard? 'Trombone rights issues' in the early '90s.

What will be the most significant market trend in terms of your practice area over the next 12 months? Continued lower levels of M&A, further corporate restructurings and confusion over the long-term approaches to financial services regulation.

Do you see yourself having a career outside law? Probably not, but I enjoy lecturing.

Favourite clothing? I dislike wearing a suit or tie out of work, so 'casual' generally.

Favourite cheese? All strong-flavoured ones.