Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) private client litigation head Rupert Ticehurst has been at the firm since 2011 when he joined from Herbert Smith Freehills, and was last year named as one of the Private Client Global Elite 2017.

Last year he advised on a trademark dispute over the shape of London black cabs, securing a Court of Appeal victory for Frazer-Nash and Ecotive, allowing them to begin production of their environmentally-friendly Metrocab after a passing-off challenge by the London Taxi Company.

Why did you become a litigator? I play chess.

What's the closest you have come to doing something other than law? In my dreams I am a world-class long distance runner, but in the real world I have genuinely never thought about doing anything other than law.

Why work in a law firm rather than become a barrister? I am a huge fan of the independent Bar and the specialist knowledge and advocacy skills it offers solicitors but, while I admire many barristers, I am very happy that I am not a barrister.

Which judge or barrister do you most admire and why? We have a remarkable judiciary which in my experience is consistently fair, professional, incorruptible and of the highest standard, and we should never take the enormous public service judges provide for granted.

What's been your proudest professional moment? Winning the taxi litigation. The new green Metrocab can now go into production, which will transform London's air quality, so we (the BLP team) feel we have not just won a legal dispute, we have also won a major environmental victory.

…and worst day on the job? The day my client tragically murdered his wife and killed himself – that was as bad as it gets and was a stark reminder of how grim life can be.

What advice would you give to young litigators starting out? If you are agreeable and collaborative, doors will open for you; if you are rude and aggressive, they will be slammed in your face.

How do litigators differ from deal lawyers? I would like to say that litigators are smarter, but in practice a good dealmaker is very similar to a good litigator: both have to manage a team of lawyers, have the ability to see around corners and work towards an agreed objective overcoming all the obstacles which will be thrown their way, for a client who may be justifiably demanding.

How much do you conform to the spiky litigator stereotype? Not at all. Spikiness inhibits progress, which is not in a client's interests.

What's the toughest ethical/moral dilemma your job has ever presented you with? Giving a client the right advice, which I know will result in my being replaced by a lawyer who will give the client the wrong advice.

What most annoys you about the legal profession? Other lawyers, particularly those who watch too much American television and so think they should behave like Rottweilers.

What's your strongest characteristic… and worst trait? I have consulted at home and I am told that my strongest characteristic is that I am principled and fair; according to my daughter I have no faults, but my wife did, surprisingly readily, suggest that I can be a little impatient (and it appears that she is not the only person who thinks that). Come on! I haven't got all day, next question…

What's the worst corporate event you've ever attended? Watching an England friendly at Wembley.

Most memorable case you ever have worked on and why? The owners of the Metrocab produce a range of electric vehicles and have a test track; it was imperative that we spent lots of time testing the vehicles.

Do you see yourself having a career outside law? I would quite like to drive a bus.

What's your favourite TV depiction of a litigation lawyer? Harvey Specter from Suits – I think they based his character on me.

What's your favourite item of clothing? My Proviz cycling jacket, which turns me into a beacon when I cycle home at night.

What's your favourite cheese? I have an affection for Edam because as a child I thought that it was very exotic.