The Herbert Smith litigator on why, while winning isn't everything, his favourite thing is, er – winning

Why did you become a lawyer? I enjoy arguing and hearing the sound of my own voice, so a career as an advocate was clearly attractive.

What's the closest you have come to doing something other than law? I've never been remotely suited to anything else.

Aside from your own firm, which lawyer do you most admire and why? Michael Sherrard QC, the former head of 2 Crown Office Row, now Littleton Chambers, whose story is told in his biography Wigs and Wherefores. A brilliant advocate and raconteur and a personal mentor. Also Clare Montgomery QC of Matrix Chambers – a tremendous combination of intellect and advocacy.

What's your proudest professional moment? Taking silk.

…and worst day on the job? Being instructed as a pupil on a noting brief at the Old Bailey and arriving without a pen or a notebook and then getting the name of the QC I was working for wrong.

What advice would you give to young litigators starting out? Take pride in everything you do, leave no stone unturned and remember, winning isn't everything.

What's the best part of your job? Winning.

How does the average litigator differ from a deal lawyer? There's no such thing as an average litigator.

What's the toughest ethical/moral dilemma your job has ever presented you with? The most difficult dilemmas always arise over the disclosability of documents but they tend to resolve themselves quite easily – the 'difficult' documents are usually difficult because they are damaging and, as a result, nearly always disclosable.

What most annoys you about the legal profession? Its introspection and the failure of some members of the Bar to appreciate just how hard their instructing solicitors work – and how talented they are.

What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait? Persistence… and a tendency to tell very poor jokes.

What's your strongest card – technical wizardry or smooth client skills? Neither. I'm not a legal Harry Potter and no-one would describe me as smooth.

What's the worst corporate event you've ever attended? I've been to some pretty awful legal awards ceremonies which must vie for this nomination.

Most memorable case you ever have worked on and why? The Guinness Trial in 1989-1990. It was an opportunity as a very junior barrister to work with – and learn from – some of the greatest advocates of the 20th century in a very interesting and challenging case.

What will be the most significant market trend over the next 12 months? Law firm mergers.

Do you see yourself having a career outside law? Do you know something I don't? Seriously, I would love to finish writing that novel I've been trying to complete for the last 10 years.

Aside from your clients, which business figure do you most admire and why?  Richard Branson – for his versatility, innovation and for not taking himself too seriously.

What's your favourite TV depiction of a litigation lawyer? John Thaw as Kavanagh QC  – a great actor and a great character.

What's your favourite item of clothing? My Quins shirt.

What's your favourite cheese? Comte – from the excellent Comte stall in Borough Market.