The Skadden London partner on not deviating from the plan and the pros of being the only woman at the table

Why did you become a lawyer? 
I read Barbarians At The Gate – charting the takeover of RJR Nabisco – in 1988 while at law school, and the biography Skadden: Power, Money and the Rise of a Legal Empire and became convinced I wanted to be an M&A lawyer at Skadden in New York. I joined the firm on graduation and have been an M&A lawyer here ever since. I only deviated from the plan once – when I moved to London in 2001.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career? 
I have had two partners at Skadden as mentors: Scott Simpson and Michael Hatchard. They taught me to be prepared, confident, creative and commercial. They encouraged me to take initiative and never to be afraid to assume responsibility and run transactions. 

Proudest professional moment? 
Leading the Skadden team representing the consortium of Alfa-Access-Renova (AAR) on the $56bn (£36.5bn) sale of the TNK-BP joint venture to Russian state-owned oil company Rosneft. This was the largest M&A transaction in the world in 2012 – indeed, the largest for more than three years – but the deal was fraught with practical difficulties and political controversy.

…and worst day on the job? 
Every day has its ups and downs, but I've never had a bad day on the job. I have been very lucky and love what I do.

Aside from your own firm, which lawyer do you most admire, and why? 
My uncle, a justice on the Supreme Court of Israel. He is one of the smartest people I know and a man of deep integrity. He played lead roles in the Camp David Accords and other peace negotiations with Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinians, before serving as Attorney General and, later, at the Supreme Court. 

What's your strongest characteristic? 
Being a commercially oriented M&A lawyer. I'm also almost always the only woman around the conference room table, which sometimes gives me an edge and fresh perspective. 

What are the best and worst parts of the job? 
Working with very bright, talented colleagues and solving problems for intelligent clients who value what you're doing for them and have a sense of humour. I also take pride in mentoring women associates. The worst part is finding a work/life equilibrium. Last year, I returned to work after having my first child. I was excited to be back at work, but I worry about missing stepping stones in my daughter's development. 

What advice would you give to young lawyers starting out? 
Be as commercial as you can, but never forget that being an outstanding lawyer is what really matters.

What most annoys you about the legal profession? 
Dealing with inexperienced, non-commercially minded lawyers across the negotiation table, particularly those who are self-important or who want to score points. 

What's the worst corporate event you've ever attended? 
Certainly not a Skadden Christmas party several years ago, as that's where I met my husband!

Most memorable deal you have ever worked on? 
Representing Arcelor in its $33.8bn (£22.03bn) merger with Mittal Steel and its proposed merger with Severstal.

What's your favourite item of clothing? 
A classic Chanel jacket I bought myself for my 30th birthday. 

What's your favourite cheese? 
It's a tie between Mimolette – a very hard, orange-coloured French cheese – and Little Hereford, a creamy, dry cheese from near Ludlow – an area I know well.

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