The Mayer Brown finance partner on Ally McBeal, Babybel and staying calm under pressure – unless she's had no sleep

Why did you become a lawyer? I spent a couple of weeks on work experience watching the Jeffrey Archer libel trial and was instantly hooked.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career? My father, because he persuaded me of the importance of gaining a professional qualification generally and of the flexibility and variety a career in law specifically would offer in the long term.

What's your proudest professional moment? Being made a partner at Mayer Brown in 2008.

…and worst day on the job? As a trainee, I missed a train to Birmingham for my first client meeting. I learned an important lesson that day.

Aside from your own firm, which lawyer do you most admire and why? Ally McBeal for not taking herself or the profession too seriously.

What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait? My strongest characteristic is my ability to stay calm and pleasant when others are losing it. My worst trait is that I can be very grumpy if I haven't had enough sleep.

What are the best and worst parts of working as a lawyer? The best part is the variety of people I get to work with around the globe on a daily basis. The worst part is having to be constantly available.

What advice would you give to young lawyers starting out? Always carry a pen and paper.

What's the toughest ethical/moral dilemma your job has ever presented you with? How long is it appropriate to leave a five-year-old watching TV when you are stuck on a long conference call at home?

What most annoys you about the legal profession? Aggressive or rude behaviour.

What's your strongest card – technical wizardry or smooth client skills (you can only pick one)? My client skills.

What's the worst corporate event you've ever attended? Any event that has anything to do with sport – except for tennis.

Most memorable deal you ever have worked on and why? As a very junior lawyer, working on the Virgin Trains West Coast and Cross Country fleet renewal deals because of the range and complexity of the documentation and the stamina of the team involved.

What is the daftest bit of corporate jargon you've heard (and did you smirk)? 'Grind down' – connected to a reducing guarantee. The terminology alone (which made me wince) was enough to make the concept totally unacceptable.

What will be the most significant market trend in the law over the next 12 months? The continued move towards larger global firms.

Do you see yourself having a career outside law? Being a full-time mum –although I know it would be a way more demanding job than the law.

What's your favourite item of clothing? A Hermes scarf that my father gave me when I qualified as a solicitor.

What's your favourite cheese? Babybel – excellent for packed lunches.

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