Freshfields litigator Ian Terry reflects on the joys of Leeds Crown Court and his ice-skating aspirations

Why did you become a lawyer? As a schoolboy I used to drop in and watch the criminal cases from the public gallery at Leeds Crown Court. I was hooked. It was more interesting than researching in the reference library next door, which was what I was supposed to be doing.

What's the closest you have come to doing something other than law? I was a competitive ice skater in my youth but I gave it up to pursue the law.

Aside from your own firm, which lawyer do you most admire and why? The late Sam Stamler QC. A brilliant legal mind combined with a superb wit. He was wonderful.

What's your proudest professional moment? Winning the Apple v Apple litigation for Steve Jobs and realising he was now free to take access to music to another level.

…and worst day on the job? In my partnership consideration year I sent a letter to my landlords saying their legal advice was wrong, not realising Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer was their adviser. As one might expect, they referred the letter to the firm. Fortunately for me, the relevant partner found it amusing.

What advice would you give to young litigators starting out? Think about how what you have drafted will sound if read out in court.

What's the best part of your job? Working with such talented and entertaining colleagues.

Why become a law firm litigator rather than a barrister? It gives you more direct contact with clients and business, more international travel and a more appealing work environment.

What most annoys you about the legal profession? That we have allowed ourselves to be paid by the hour.

What's the toughest ethical/moral dilemma your job has ever presented you with? I have been lucky enough to navigate through the profession without any dramatic Hamlet moments.

How does the average litigator differ from a deal lawyer? In their preference for a good crisis and a fight.

What's your strongest characteristic…and worst trait? My ability to switch off despite a pathological BlackBerry checking condition.

Aside from your clients, which business figure do you most admire? Warren Buffett. Courageous, individualistic, brilliant results (on the whole), honest about his mistakes and a good, dry sense of humour.

What's your strongest card – technical wizardry or smooth client skills? My client skills. There are no admissions made as to smoothness – I am a Yorkshire man, after all.

What's the worst corporate event you've attended? I avoid them like the plague.

Most memorable case you ever have worked on and why? The Berezovsky litigation. The story of how the jewels of Russian industry ended up in the hands of a few oligarchs, now wealthy beyond dreams. A fascinating and extraordinary period in recent Russian history. You couldn't make it up.

What will be the most significant market trend over the next 12 months? We may see a wave of privacy actions based on nefarious press research methods.

What's your favourite TV depiction of a litigation lawyer? I can't watch those series. The inaccuracies spoil the stories.

What's your favourite item of clothing? Ski gear.

What's your favourite cheese? Perail, a traditional soft creamy sheep's milk cheese from southwest France.