The Lawyer Inquiry: James Bateson

What was your first job?

Postman.



What was your first ever salary as a lawyer?

£70 per week, working for my father.



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

Sports journalist.



Which law could you live without?

The Income and Corporation Taxes Act.



What was your most embarrassing professional moment?

Nothing springs to mind.



What car do you drive?

My wife's Vauxhall Astra 1.8.



Which famous person would you like to go out with?

Michael Atherton (opening the batting for England against



Australia at Lords this summer).

Where would you go to eat?



The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow, Cornwall.

What's the best thing on TV?



The picture of my children, Ilona and Charlie - followed by Crimewatch.

Which movie do you wish you'd appeared in?



The Great Escape (as Steve McQueen).

What's your most often-worn piece of clothing?



My Levi 501s.

What book(s) are you reading at the moment?



The Runaway Jury, John Grisham and Notes From A Small

Island, Bill Bryson.



What is your all-time favourite record?

Some Might Say, Oasis.



What piece of advice would you give to anyone entering the profession now?

Keep your sense of humour and a sense of perspective - and learn a foreign language.



What do you like about yourself?

My wife and children.



What do you hate about yourself?

My putting.



Where would you most like to be right now?

Intendence Bay, Mahe in the Seychelles.