The non-spiky Herbert Smith litigator on the intellectual capabilities of small dogs

Why did you become a litigator? I prefer to solve problems rather than anticipate them.

What's the closest you have come to doing something other than law? I started a commercial publishing business at university. But for a chance interview at Herbert Smith, I would have continued with it. Who knows where it would have led?

Why work in a law firm rather than become a barrister? If you want to be a business adviser, strategist and negotiator, as well as an occasional advocate, go to a law firm.

Which judge or barrister do you most admire and why? The best judge in recent times was the late Lord Bingham. He was always intellectually honest and, as such, a model English judge.

What's been your proudest moment in court? When, at the end of my submissions, Sir Roger Parker said: "Thank you Mr Greeno. That was magnificent." That he was looking at his watch and referring to the fact that I had finished at the agreed time is a detail which does not appear on the transcript.

… and worst day on the job? Receiving a call at 4am in San Francisco to be told that we had lost the £150m CATS litigation in the Court of Appeal only a week after the end of the hearing. Fortunately we won it back in the House of Lords.

What advice would you give to young litigators starting out? Whatever you're doing, get to the point and don't 
waste time.

What's the best thing about being a litigator? Every day and every case is different and presents new challenges.

What's the funniest thing you have ever witnessed in court? Mark Howard QC telling the court that an online university degree awarded to the witness he was cross-examining had also been awarded, but with higher grades, to his dog Lucy ("For the record, a miniature Schnauzer – very bright"). This evidence destroyed the witness' credibility and was critical to establishing our case on fraud.

How do litigators differ from deal lawyers? We sleep at night.

What's the toughest ethical/moral dilemma your job has ever presented you with? If you always aim to do the right thing and know that your firm will always support you in this, ethical dilemmas are not tough.

How much do you conform to the spiky litigator stereotype? Not at all. I have no time for litigators who waste time posturing. It is usually a sign that they are out of their depth.

What annoys you about the legal profession? Many senior members of the profession are reluctant to speak out on important issues for fear of upsetting the establishment. It is understandable, but sad nevertheless.

What's the worst corporate event you ever attended? I once took some clients to the first day of an Ashes Test at Lords. As it rained all morning, I made arrangements to go to a good restaurant, which we then cancelled when the covers came off at 12:15, only for them to go back on again at 1 o'clock. Not a ball was bowled. I've had days in court like that, too.

Do you see yourself having a career outside law? It's never too late for The X Factor.

What's your favourite TV depiction of a litigation lawyer? There's only one: Rumpole.

What's your favourite item of clothing? Anything that embarrasses my children.

What's your favourite cheese? Roquefort – it looks soft, but bites.

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