Clifford Chance (CC) London litigation partner Chris Yates this week helped to secured a victory for Latvian businessman Valeri Belokon in a dispute over the ownership and management of Blackpool Football Club, working with Blackstone Chambers' Andrew Green QC and Fraser Campbell.

Yates, who joined CC in 2010, made partner at the magic circle firm in 2016, and was picked out as 'one to watch' in Legal Week's litigation Rising Stars feature that year.

Why did you become a litigator? I was drawn to the adversarial process and the strategy involved. Plus, I didn't fancy operating on people, which ruled out becoming a doctor.

What's the closest you have come to doing something other than law? In my mind, I could have been a professional golfer. In reality, I was nowhere near good enough. I also toyed with becoming a golf course architect for a short period when I was younger.

Why work in a law firm rather than become a barrister? The camaraderie of working within a CC team is a pleasure. Also, dealing with clients on a daily basis and helping them to find solutions is a source of real enjoyment.

Which judge or barrister do you most admire and why? It would be unfair to single anyone out in particular. I have had the pleasure of working with some outstanding barristers in London, Hong Kong and Singapore. Your favourite judge is always the one who gives you your last positive outcome.

What's been your proudest professional moment/moment in court? The recent victory for Mr Belokon was a particular highlight, although I certainly hope that there are many more successes to come in the future.

…and worst day on the job? There have been some dark moments in the depths of various disclosure processes.

What advice would you give to young litigators starting out? Do not be afraid to voice your opinion, however senior the audience. The work of the junior lawyer on a case is absolutely invaluable to the team securing a successful outcome.

What's the best/worst thing about being a litigator? The best is guiding clients through what can be an extremely tense and stressful time for them.  No sane client chooses to be in litigation. The worst is the occasional need to spend long periods away from the family.

What's the funniest thing you've ever witnessed in court? A QC's mobile phone interrupting his junior's particularly tense cross-examination of a witness.  The Court was treated to a good minute of Juliet Stephenson reading Madame Bovary as he fumbled in vain for the mute button. The abject horror and panic on his face was a picture.

How much do you conform to the spiky litigator stereotype? Not at all. I actually find the stereotype to be very outdated and a thing of mainly fiction.

What's the toughest ethical/moral dilemma your job has ever presented you with? I have been lucky so far in my career that nothing springs to mind. Every morning I have to choose which of my twin daughters I feed first, which is always a dilemma.

What most annoys you about the legal profession? The quantity of email traffic and a general reluctance to use the phone.

What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait? I am very competitive and I don't like emails. I am not sure which is which.

Most memorable case you ever have worked on and why? Working for Mr Belokon against the Oystons will stick long in the memory. Fascinating subject matter, a lovely client and a great CC and counsel team. The result was fantastic too.

Do you see yourself having a career outside law? Perhaps having retired to the Alps, I will become an (aged) ski instructor. That has always appealed.  

What's your favourite TV depiction of a litigation lawyer? Dennis Denuto in the Australian movie The Castle. Pure comedy.

What's your favourite item of clothing? My golf shoes, for wearing them means that I am on the golf course.

What's your favourite cheese? You can't beat Stichelton Blue from my home county in Nottinghamshire; although a Colston Bassett Stilton runs it a close second, particularly at Christmas.