Stephen Rowe: Mishcon de Reya

Name:

Stephen Rowe

Firm: Mishcon de Reya

Position: BD and communications manager (real estate)

Lives: Clapham

What time do you start work each day?

I aim for 7am but I do seem to have quite bad luck with trains ….

What’s the most boring thing you’ve been asked to do in your job?

Stuffing envelopes for an event. I’m sure there’s a machine that can do it.

How much time do you spend on Facebook each week?

Around two hours. All outside of work time of course!

What is the most unusual Christmas present that you have received from a colleague?

A DVD of Legally Blonde 2.  (Thanks, Fred.)

If you could introduce one law, what would it be and why?

Ban key public transport workers from striking.

How did you spend your last bonus?

Mojitos.

What are the best perks of your role?

The social aspect – constantly meeting new and interesting people.

What do you wear on dress-down Fridays?

Law firms tend to stop dress-down Fridays just when I start or start them just as I leave. Maybe it’s because they know I would wear my .

Have you ever been asked to do anything at work that you suspect might have been illegal?

I decided to get into law after reading John Grisham’s The Firm but so far have been required to undertake no unlawful activities. You didn’t of course ask what I’ve chosento do.

What is the most irritating habit of any partner you’ve worked for?

Printing off emails and sending back a written response through the internal post. Some more senior partners don’t like computers.

Do you see your colleagues on weekends?

On occasion – but I quickly cross the road before they see me.

Have you ever fallen in love at work? (If so, please provide details).

The terms of my parole mean I can’t talk about it.

If you were a lawyer what would your practice area be and why?

Real estate – it’s fast-paced, connected and very sociable.

What do you eat for lunch?

It varies. The week after payday I eat Itsu sushi and drink Starbucks; the week before payday I make my own sandwiches and drink tap water.

Is your salary (in thousands) greater than your age?

Yes, although the fact that I’m barely out of my teens helps.

What items do you always carry around with you at work?

I always carry my door pass, BlackBerry, wallet, notebook and pen. Also my passport in case I have to flee the country.

Who do you have photos of on your desk?

That question should read: “Of whom do you have photos on your desk?” Maybe I’ve worked in a law firm for too long.

Corney & Barrow or The Royal Exchange?

How about La Lluvia de Oro in Havana ….

Soy Latte or Nescafe?

I don’t drink coffee. But there aren’t many things I wouldn’t do for a grande skinny chai tea latte from Starbucks.

City break or weekend in the country?

I’m definitely a City boy. I think I may be nomophobic (self-diagnosed) and there are vast swathes of countryside that don’t have mobile phone reception.

Sum up your firm in three words.

Innovative, receptive and supportive.