Clyde & Co's Ben Knowles on battling Goliath (more than once) and his ability to work the wrong room

Why did you become a lawyer? I had a place at Cambridge as a singer and needed a subject to study. I applied to study English and they wouldn't let me. I had a discussion at home, during which my parents accused me of arguing a lot and suggested law might be a sensible career path – I haven't looked back.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career? When I started at Clyde & Co, or at least after qualification, I started working for Howard Townson. Beneath the quiet exterior, he hid a ruthless and utterly tenacious approach – never say die. He also had the tactical skills of a chess grand champion in his approach to litigation. I can't say I have picked up all those skills, but I do look to his approach for inspiration.

What's your proudest professional moment? Winning a case for the Yemeni Government against the might of US Big Oil. A real 'David and Goliath' battle.

…and worst day on the job? Attending a hearing in front of a Master in the Bear Garden in the Royal Courts of Justice. On the other side we had a litigant who was a good 6ft tall and, say, 15st. He came with his 'friend', who was several inches taller and several stone heavier. We successfully got the claim struck out, and after the hearing my colleague was pinned up against the wall by the 'friend'. I had to distract the friend and we then sprinted all the way down to Temple tube, crashed through the barriers, and didn't stop until we were back to the office. Not a great day, but a good cocktail story.

Aside from your own firm, which lawyer do you most admire and why? I have enormous admiration for a number of the in-house counsel for whom we work. In addition to all the legal skills needed, they all require the hide of a rhinoceros and the political skills of a US president. I admire them, but wouldn't want to be them.

What's your strongest characteristic…and worst trait? The strongest characteristic and worst trait are probably the same – (at least that's what people who work with me say) – an unending enthusiasm for the job.

What advice would you give to young deal lawyers starting out? Focus on the personal skills. The legal skills have to be a given.

What's the best part of your job? The people.

What will be the most significant market trend in terms of your practice area in the next year? If I could spot the market trends, I would be a trader and not a lawyer.

What's the toughest ethical/moral dilemma your job has ever presented you with? The first one. The job is full of ethical and moral dilemmas, but you take instructions from your clients because you learn that there are two sides to every issue.

What most annoys you about the legal profession? Pomposity and clubbiness.

What's the worst corporate event you've ever attended? A party held in a trendy nightclub in West London for a client's broker. I only knew one person who was going to attend, and when I arrived at the party, I couldn't see him, so spent 45 minutes chatting to various people until I realised I was at the completely wrong party. I withdrew, regrouped and realised that the party I was supposed to be attending was on a different floor in the nightclub.

What's your favourite item of clothing? Black jeans.

Do you see yourself having a career outside law? Yes – I have had a career as a singer at various times.

What's your favourite cheese? Stinking Bishop.

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