The Lawyer Inquiry: Jamie Martin was born in Romford in 1954. He is managing partner of Ward Hadaway, Newcastle Upon Tyne.

What subject(s) did you fail at school?

Latin.



What was your first job?

Driving a frozen food delivery van.



What was your first ever salary as a lawyer?

u118 per month as a trainee at Kingsford Dorman.



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

If the Royal Air Force wouldn't have me, I would have liked to do something in the music industry.



What annoys you most about clients?

Select deafness.



What was your most satisfying professional moment?

Winning New England v Portsmouth News Shops.



What was your most embarrassing professional moment?

When in articles attending the Practice Master and realising, after sitting in his room for 15 minutes, that he was presiding over a chambers trial.



What do you least like about being a lawyer?

The inability to find time to take stock.



And the best thing about being a lawyer?

Camaraderie.



Who do you admire most, and why?

Randy Newman - he never misses the point and he makes me laugh.



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

Alexander the Great - he would generate a substantial amount of international work!



What is your most annoying habit?

An inability to say no.



How do you relax?

By watching Sunderland AFC and fishing.



What is your most precious possession?

My children, Sophie and William, and my record collection (I would have mentioned my wife, Michaela, in this context, but she claims not to be a "possession").



What is your biggest fear?

Dogs and letting down my partners.



Where would you most like to be right now?

On my boat fishing off Holy Island.



In 10 year's time, where do you see yourself?

Still standing at my office window watching members of my firm going in and out of the Pitcher & Piano. To take part in The Inquiry call Jemma Pearson on 0171 970 4614.