My Grandad (who wasn’t a lawyer) told me that litigation might suit me because I was ‘scrappy’. Plus, if I was any good at it, he thought I’d be able to afford a nice house. My Grandad was a very sensible chap, so I followed his advice. I did a couple of vacation schemes, didn’t embarrass myself, and here I am now.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
As a junior associate, having to explain to a billionaire client why I couldn’t do what he wanted me to do. My professional conduct obligations seemed to perplex him. And I’m not sure he was used to being told no.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
My former partner, and mentor, Tim Parkes (who now chairs the Regulatory Decisions Committee at the FCA). He is the benchmark that I aspire to. A brilliant practitioner and a great human being (with a ho, ho, ho laugh like Santa). The world needs more people like Tim.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
If I didn’t have to worry about trivial issues such as a distinct lack of ability, centre back for Real Madrid. Being more realistic, centre back for my beloved Newcastle United. Or, being even more realistic, a tree surgeon. I like fresh air, I can climb a tree and chainsaws look fun.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Elle Woods. ‘Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.’ Top class analysis. And reminds me, I should wear pink more often.
What change would you make to the profession?
Greater diversity is the obvious one. But I’d also like to see an end to billable hours and overly granular time recording. I’m concerned that it creates a culture of stress and overwork. Plus clients rarely favour the billable hour anyway.
How do you relax?
With two young daughters in my house, there’s not much time to relax. I spend most of my ‘free time’ taking them swimming or pretending to be a rainbow unicorn. But outside of parental duties, I love to watch sport (there is not much playing these days), to drink craft beer and to dream of building my own house. One day…
