Clyde & Co's Hong Kong-based global head of aviation finance on the joys of living abroad, his new Nintendo Wii and making equity partner at 31.

Why did you become a lawyer?

I became a lawyer because, to borrow from a Yiddish proverb: to a worm in horseradish, the world is horseradish. That noted, I am glad that I became a lawyer, and an aviation finance specialist at that. I am part of an awesome global industry, and I have some great clients and colleagues around the world.

What, or who, has influenced you the most during your career?

Most recently, probably the concept of "Ubuntu" – a southern African notion that "I am, because we are." Applying it to law firm practice management, for instance, I see it as a fundamental recognition of our global aviation finance practice as a community or team of contributing stakeholders across all levels. No one individual can be successful without the contribution of others. The goal of practice management, then, is to maximize the value for all members of the team, not just some and certainly not just yourself.

What has been your proudest professional moment?

Making equity partner at the world's top aviation law firm at 31…

….and worst day on the job?

[Insert the date of any one of dozens of all-nighters here!]

Aside from your own firm, which lawyer do you most admire in Asia?

A brilliant legal director at Credit Agricole in Hong Kong, who evidently has terrible taste in men.

What's your strongest characteristic ….and worst trait?

Drive… and overdrive.

What annoys you most about the legal profession?

Silo dwellers, "zero-sum"-gamers, drizzle makers, suicidal pricers… and any combination thereof.

What advice would you give to young lawyers considering a stint abroad?

"Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more." I have always focused on emerging markets since before it was trendy (…because Africa's actually been there, since Pangea…), and doing so has yielded the best return on any investment that I have made in my professional life.

What's your strongest characteristic: technical wizardry or smooth client skills? (You can only pick one!)

"The law, Roper, the law." Technical wizardry always comes first.

Why did you decide to move to Asia?

Economic growth in a region generally has a strong impact on the increase in demand for air service (both commercial and private) and I, of course, saw the clear macro "rise of the rest" trends… is what I would say, had it not been a simple case of my wife made me do it.

What is the best… and worst thing about working as a lawyer in the region?

I am happy to report that there is no "worst thing" at the moment. The best thing, if I had to pick one, would be having a front row ticket to the electrifying spectacle that is the rise of any given economy in Asia at any given time.

What's the worst corporate event you've ever attended?

I am always happy just to be invited.

How long do you see yourself staying in Asia? Do you ever see yourself returning or moving to the UK/US?

I will stay until I have actually spent my last Asia Mile (which, on account of all of the blackout dates, could only be as early 2089).

Do you see yourself having a life outside law, eventually?

The truth is that I actually have a wonderful life outside of the law already. Plus, I just got a Nintendo Wii.

What is going to be the most significant trend in your region and practice over the next 12 months?

It is a "VUCA" world today but, in the ordinary course (barring any major disruptions to aviation): ECA-backed commercial aircraft finance will decrease; commercial aircraft operating leasing will continue to rise; big things will happen in the aircraft leasing space in Hong Kong (better late than never); the business jet market will slow in most of Asia (for now) while picking up elsewhere; African aviation will continue to rise, fueled in part by some Asian money; aviation finance will continue to be a hot practice, and more firms will continue to try to break in (both generally and/or in Asia in particular).

What's your favourite place to spend an evening in Hong Kong?

Brickhouse on any given Friday or Saturday night, with my wife (the legal director at Credit Agricole – in case you missed that above). Great music (#WuTangClan), great staff (hi Elisha!), great food (try the Mexican street corn) and serious cocktails (the tobacco-infused volcano salt-rimmed Cubano should be illegal).

What's your favourite item of clothing?

(Boxing) gloves…