The Lawyer Inquiry: Andrew Harbourne was born in Leeds in 1961. He is a partner with

What subjects did you fail at school?

Grade 5 piano and all mock exams.

What was your first job?

Strawberry picker.

What was your first ever salary as a lawyer?

u6,500 pa.

What would you have done if you hadn't been a lawyer?

I don't know. I was rejected by most other types of employer before my

father suggested I try law.

What was your most satisfying professional moment?

Selling the Observatory Shopping Centre, Slough, in 1996.

What was your most embarrassing professional moment?

Going before a master as a trainee, not having a clue what I wanted,

calling him "Sir" not "Master" and wittering on until he said: "Give me the

file and I'll tell you what you want!"

What do you least like about being a lawyer?

Paper.

And the best thing about being a lawyer?

It keeps your mind going, though only during the week.

What annoys you most about clients?

Those who demand the most usually pay the least.

Who do you admire most, and why?

The senior partner, of course.

Which famous person or historical figure would be your ideal client, and

why?

Midas, provided he didn't want to shake hands.

What is your most annoying habit?

Catching the same train every day.

What's your biggest fear?

Being found out.

How do you relax?

Playing choo-choo with my two year old son.

What is your most precious possession?

My beer-making kit.

Where would you most like to be right now?

In the window seat in the Fleece Hotel, Thirsk.

In 10 years' time, where do you see yourself?

Same place, hoping to be rich soon.



To take part in the Inquiry call Jemma Pearson on 0171 970 4614