The Ashurst litigator on the firm's first oil industry dispute, his Newsnight ambitions and the longest 10 minutes of his life

Why did you become a litigator?
It was the only type of legal work for which I showed any true competence.
 
What's the closest you have come to doing something other than law?
I was tempted by political journalism. I had several conversations with the then political editor of the BBC, John Cole, who warned me that there was no money in it.
 
Aside from your own firm, which lawyer do you most admire and why?
There are two: Arthur Marriott, who was one of the first UK solicitors to develop a truly international disputes practice, and Tony Grabiner, who has created a truly diverse meritocracy at One Essex Court.
 
What's your proudest professional moment?
Being part of the legal team that won for Amerada Hess in the Court of Appeal in the Texas Eastern pre-emption litigation in 1989. This was Ashurst's first oil industry dispute and the genesis of the firm's energy practice. It was a big win, early in my career, which at the time I was told was the case of a lifetime – and it was.

… and worst day on the job?
Having a letter I had written to a litigant in person read out to the judge who described it as a "most curious letter".

Why become a law firm litigator rather than a barrister?  
Law firms offer a broader range of disputes experience and great opportunities to work overseas.
 
What annoys you most about the legal profession?
That we demand so much from young lawyers. The workload that junior lawyers carry is punishing and many have been driven from the profession after being immersed in a gruelling disclosure exercise or an investigation.
 
What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait?
I am resilient (a good thing) but impatient at times.
 
What's the worst corporate event you've ever attended?
An oil industry dinner where the president of the industry body gave a seriously unfunny speech. It was only about 10 minutes long, but it was the longest 10 minutes of my life.

What will be the most significant market trend over the next 12 months?
The boutique-isation of disputes work. The siren call of the boutique disputes firm will continue to attract. My longer-term prediction is that some may fold if they are overly dependent on the personality of the founding partners and do not offer the breadth of skills needed to deal with complex cases.

Do you see yourself having a career outside law?
I do not see myself earning my living as anything other than a lawyer but fronting Newsnight might be fun!

What's your favourite TV depiction of a litigation lawyer?  
Martha Costello in Silk for her northern grit.
 
What's your favourite item of clothing?
An outfit – it comprises my three-piece Donegal tweed suit made by North Tailors of North Street, Belfast, complemented by an Ulster coat, made by Mendoza of Brick Lane.
 
What's your favourite cheese?
Montgomery's Cheddar.
 
Aside from your clients, which business figure do you most admire and why?
Andrew Carnegie – a true rags-to-riches story and the blueprint for philanthropic capitalism.