Davide Mencacci, Hong Kong

When Linklaters appointed Hong Kong partner Davide Mencacci as its new global head of banking earlier this month, he became the department's first leader to be based outside of London, where its largest banking team is based.

Mencacci, who took the role after firm veteran Tony Bugg stepped down, began his career in London in 1996 as a trainee at Paisner & Co, now a part of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. He left in 2001 to join as a senior associate at Allen & Overy in Milan, where he made partner in 2005, before leaving two years later to join Linklaters' Milan office. In 2015, he moved to Linklaters' Hong Kong office where he remains to lead the practice.

After qualifying in the UK, you moved to Milan and then on to Hong Kong. Why did you choose to practise outside of the UK?

I love being immersed in international business environments. Early in my career, Milan was an opportunity to put my language skills to good use. My practice grew as I divided my time across Asia, Europe and London, and now my outlook is truly global.

Given your location, does your appointment reflect a change in focus for Linklaters' banking practice? If so, what's caused that change?

The firm and the practice are very much global in nature and my appointment is a concrete demonstration of the belief in that. We have clients all around the world and my role is to ensure that our strategy focuses our firepower and deploys our resources in the optimal service of our clients.

Will it be difficult to lead the practice from Hong Kong when the biggest banking team is in London?

If this question was asked 10 or five years ago, the answer might be different. But right now we have a whole wealth of technology at our fingertips that allows us to stay connected. I have a great relationship with the group leaders and there's a brilliant team in our key offices, so I'm confident we can make it work.

Do you have any plans or targets for the banking practice that you want to achieve during your term?

I plan to build on this strong foundation and encourage greater integration across the globe, to ensure we continue to deliver the firm to our clients across all sectors of our business. Cross-selling and looking for opportunities for our broader business will be a key focus, alongside remaining innovative in both the way we deliver our services and the products we target.

What excites you most about your new role?

The global practice is ambitious, dynamic and driving some of the most interesting and innovative deals in the market. I'm excited to have the opportunity to help build on this.

Why did you become a lawyer?

Growing up, I wanted to be a doctor, but it turned out that science was not my strongest subject so the plan was fatally flawed!

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

My father, for his vision, work ethic and integrity.

What's your proudest professional moment so far?

Seeing the incredible growth of the Linklaters Italian office. It started with three partners focusing on banking and finance and now offers a fully fledged multidisciplinary service for some of the most significant banks, corporates and funds in the market. It's humbling to think I played a small role in that.

…and worst day on the job?

Seeing a client I'd acted for over a number of years and helped thrive during the boom times, falter and file for insolvency. You are emotionally invested so that hits you very hard.

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

Tony Keal. He's retired now. He was known as a hard taskmaster but was way ahead of his time in terms of understanding of market and teaching lawyers to be commercial.

What's different about becoming a lawyer in 2019?

It's very competitive now but the field is constantly evolving. There are opportunities emerging with the greater use of technology and automation. As it becomes more embedded, it will allow our lawyers to work more efficiently and in areas where they can really add value.

What most annoys you about the legal profession?

The bureaucracy.

What is the daftest bit of corporate jargon you've heard?

Blue-sky thinking.

Do you see yourself having a career outside of law?

Two of my biggest interests outside of work are coffee and wine. I actually own a couple of coffee shops in London and love spending time with the customers and being part of a community – maybe that's an avenue I can explore further one day.

How do you unwind from the office?

I'm a keen sportsman – be it golf, squash or just being in the gym. That's my stressbuster. I am also a passionate Arsenal fan but I can't say that is a stressbuster, given their performances in recent years…