A former Allen & Overy veteran and one of the founding fathers of Europe's leverage finance market, Tony Keal joined Simpson Thacher last year

Why did you become a lawyer?

I did law at Oxford (at the time, I couldn't think of any other subject to read). Then it seemed daft not to at least qualify. My seat in articles with Bill Tudor John introduced me to banking, and the rest is history, some of which is still in the making.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

Different people during different phases; Bill initially. Graham Hutton of Morgan Grenfell as well, when we started doing leveraged buy-outs together in and around 1990. Over the past four years, Johannes Huth at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.

What is your proudest professional moment?

The same moment, repeated frequently over a lengthy period – seeing my assistants make partner: Stephen Gillespie, Euan Gorrie, Jacqui Evans, David Lines, Cathy Bell-Walker, Ian Borman, Davide Mencacci, Vikki Greatorex and others.

…and worst day on the job?

Signing day of the first Swedish Match buy-out in 1989-90. After three days without much sleep, I embarked around 10pm the night before signing on cloning the mezz from the senior doc agreed that night. I fell asleep at my desk, woke up around 8am with a not-even-half-finished mezz doc and a closing starting in two hours. Ultimate horror.

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

There are so many, but it would be invidious to single out individuals from those I meet regularly. Of those not now practising, Jonathan Horsfall Turner and Peter Totty.

What is your strongest characteristic… and worst trait?

Strongest characteristic, saying what I mean and meaning what I say… worst trait – probably the same. Likewise, having a passion for the deals and for my clients' interests.

What will be the most significant market trend in terms of your practice area over the next 12 months?

The continuation of exceptionally high levels of activity by private equity houses in relation to jumbo deals, involving ever larger and more complex targets and increasingly complex financing structures. The increasing use of PIK instruments.

How do you think your assistants view you?

Depends on the circumstances. At 3am in the morning, seeking to staff a new deal, rather differently than in the pub on a Friday evening. I would hope, however, that most of those who have worked with me have gained something from the experience which has enhanced their career.

What's the best part of your job?

Dealing with exceptionally bright principals, especially in the private equity houses, on some of the world's biggest and most complex financings, and being made to feel like one of their team rather than a bought commodity.

What most annoys you about the legal profession?

Particularly in some UK firms, too many people in management roles, many with an exaggerated sense of the value of their own limited contribution. Also, the hours.

There weren't many leveraged finance specialists in the City early in your career – what drew you to the area?

Partly circumstantial, i.e. place, time, friendship with others involved (Richard Halcrow, Graham Hutton, Peter Combe, Andrew McCullagh, Charlie Green, to name just a few). Also, leveraged finance is as close to M&A 'deal-doing' as you get without too much involvement with black-letter law.

Do you ever regret sending that e-mail?

The e-mail itself, no. The operator error in the addressing, certainly; but then again, perhaps I would not otherwise have moved on to better things (e.g. Simpson Thacher)! It is pleasing to see that much of the thrust of that e-mail has since at least started to be addressed.

What would you do if you were not a lawyer?

Were I at the outset of my career, with the knowledge I have now, private equity – if I could have mastered the sophisticated modelling involved.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?

Spending a lot of time sailing, skiing and at home.

What is your favourite lawyer joke?

What can a goose do, a duck can't, and a lawyer should? [your readers to complete]

What is your favourite cheese?

Can I have more than one? Beaufort, Epoisse and Roquefort.

Dealmaker returns in two weeks.