Slaughters' effortlessly superior litigator on a ride in a Rolls-Royce and a stylish pair of shoes

Why did you become a litigator? Being a litigator is the most fun that you can have as a solicitor. This was obvious as soon as I did my first litigation seat as a trainee. The highlight was being driven around in a vintage Rolls-Royce by the manager of a casino that we were trying – and failing – to prevent being shut down for nefarious practices.

What's the closest you have come to doing something other than law? As a child I wanted to be an estate agent – I was quite an odd child!

Why work in a law firm rather than become a barrister? As the instructing solicitor on a case you are the team leader: you set the strategy and take the client with you over what can be quite a rocky road to trial. The barrister, however eminent and talented – and I have worked with all of the best, and admire them enormously – is ultimately just the mouthpiece.

Which judge do you most admire and why? Mrs Justice Elizabeth Gloster: brilliant, incisive and effortlessly stylish!

What's been your proudest moment in court? When we settled the Unilever Pension Fund v Mercury Asset Management case and all of the trustees of the pension fund – including a minibus full of ordinary people from the Colmans Mustard Factory who had backed us through some very difficult times – turned up to court as we announced that the other side had caved in and paid an enormous settlement.

What advice would you give to young litigators starting out? Work hard and always go the extra mile for the client, but never lose sleep over any piece of litigation. It is a game that you will do (almost) anything to win, but ultimately must be viewed as just a game.

What's the best/worst thing about being a litigator? The best is working on a huge variety of cases with a range of talented people and delightful clients. The worst is that at the end of a case, clients always think it is funny to say "don't take it the wrong way, but I hope I never have to see you again".

How do litigators differ from deal lawyers? Less arrogant, more attractive.

How much do you conform to the spiky litigator stereotype? Not at all; at Slaughter and May we channel 'effortless superiority'.

What's the toughest ethical/moral dilemma your job has ever presented you with? As a junior associate I was called round one evening to the office of an important client of the firm. The client had that morning been raided by the regulators and a senior guy produced a very incriminating document, which he wanted to shred. I insisted that he hand the document over to me. On the basis of that document, and some other evidence, a number of people went to prison – rather unfairly, I've always thought.

What most annoys you about the legal profession? We are becoming too bland. There is far less room for the eccentrics I knew when I started.

What's your strongest characteristic…and worst trait? Same answer for both, I am a bit of a control freak.

What's the worst corporate event you've ever attended? If I don't like the look of a corporate event I don't go – don't tell my senior partner!

Do you see yourself having a career outside law? Certainly not! They will have to carry me out of my office feet first.

What's your favourite TV depiction of a litigation lawyer? I don't watch any of the courtroom series, but I like to see myself as a cross between Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird and Elle Woods from Legally Blonde.

What's your favourite item of clothing? Red patent leather high heels – nobody messes with me when I wear them!

What's your favourite cheese? Is it greedy to say everything in the cheese room at La Fromagerie?

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