Dealmaker: Stephenson Harwood's Jonathan Pittal on generous clients, Arsenal woes and a manslaughter deal hitch
Stephenson Harwood's recent private equity recruit recounts some memorable career moments
March 12, 2017 at 05:53 PM
3 minute read
Stephenson Harwood corporate partner Jonathan Pittal recently led the firm's team advising on the £340m sale of private equity-owned Autodata to Solera Holdings, in what was his first deal for the firm after joining from King & Wood Mallesons (KWM). He was formerly co-head of private equity at KWM.
Why did you become a lawyer? Halfway through my first year at university, I changed degree from English to Law, as I wanted to do something more vocational – and be able to go travelling. During my degree I took a company law module, enjoyed it and then decided that I was going to become a corporate lawyer.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career? My wife and the bank.
What's your proudest professional moment? When one of the associates in the team is promoted to partner.
…and worst day on the job? Going with clients to watch Arsenal in the 2006 Champions League final in Paris. We had to sit with Barcelona fans after being given the wrong tickets, lost after being 1-0 up after 76 minutes, and then had a long trip back to London with a night stayover in Brussels.
Aside from your own firm, which lawyer do you most admire and why? [Former KWM private equity lawyer] Simon Witney, now at Debevoise & Plimpton. Not only is he technically brilliant and astute, but he has done a lot more with his career than just filling in timesheets.
What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait? My strongest characteristic is dealing with difficult people. My worst trait is wanting to take control of everything.
What advice would you give to young deal lawyers starting out? Treat the smallest task given to you as an important one and try to pre-empt what you're likely to be asked to do next.
What's the best part of your job? Receiving compliments about the team and the firm from clients.
What most annoys you about the legal profession? 'Make work' lawyers who create complications or argue points when there is no benefit to their client.
What's the most unusual/shocking request you've ever had from a client? "You did a great job – I insist you add 15%."
Most memorable deal you ever have worked on and why? A management buyout where, as we were signing, a key management team member made a last minute disclosure that he had been charged with manslaughter.
What is the daftest bit of corporate jargon you've heard (and did you smirk)? "This is the go-forward team" and "The Power of Together". No, I didn't smirk.
Do you see yourself having a career outside law? No – even after 23 years, I am very fortunate that I still love my job.
What's your favourite item of clothing? My 'walk home' trainers.
What are your desert island discs? Duran Duran, Bob Marley, The Prodigy and Amy Winehouse.
Favourite boxset? The Wire, Sons of Anarchy, Oz, Narcos and The Crown. I probably watch too many boxsets.
Favourite type of cheese? Extra strong mature cheddar.
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