Addleshaws' new corporate chief on his Tippex hell, a night at the theatre and why law trumps the media

Why did you become a lawyer? I had thought I might do something interesting in the media world, but I did a law summer placement while at university and loved it – there were lots of stimulating people doing focused and demanding work – and a good pub round the corner.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career? I've worked with many really bright commercial lawyers who have had an influence, but the longest and most steadying influence has been my wife – the wind beneath my wings.

What's your proudest professional moment? Being asked to do this questionnaire has filled me with a great sense of having made it somewhere!

… and worst day on the job? Having to Tippex and repaginate 10 House of Lords bundles as a litigation trainee (after being given the wrong instructions by the partner…)

Aside from your own firm, which lawyer do you most admire and why? Two in-house lawyers (under duress I have not spared their blushes: David Harlock (at Diageo) and Chris Haynes (at BA): they own every issue, never take their eyes off their commercial drivers and instruct us with fantastic, clear-minded clarity.

What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait? Trying to impose order in chaos … impatience with perceived chaos.

What advice would you give to young deal lawyers starting out? Focus on the client, their business and their marketplace and ask yourself whether you really understand what they are trying to achieve and how we can help.

What's the best part of your job? That every year I have done it, the job has been radically different from the year before.

What most annoys you about the legal profession? Generally it is prone to being conservative and wedded to traditional ways of working.

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

What's the worst corporate event you've ever attended? A theatre trip to a third-rate musical – the clients were biting their own arms off during the show and then we had to meet the actors afterwards. I looked at my watch after what felt like two hours to find that only 20 minutes had passed.

Most memorable deal you ever have worked on and why? I worked last year on a joint venture that stands out. We had meetings in a game park lodge in southern Africa, following dawn game drives – that was pretty good.

What will be the most significant market trend for your practice area over the next 12 months? Very cautious buyers but also a time for opportunism – there will be great strategic openings for some clients.

Do you see yourself having a career outside law? I once had a dream in which I had been picked for the Ryder Cup (playing off my full handicap). But I fear it is not going to happen.

What's your favourite item of clothing? A Kilgour suit.

What is on your ipod at the moment? Bonnie 'Prince' Billy – Is it the Sea?

What's your favourite cheese? Roquefort.

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