What was your first job?

Sweeping the floor of an electric blanket factory.

What was your first salary as a lawyer?

u1,600 a year.

What would you have done if you had not become a lawyer?

Raced MGs – and played keyboards for the progressive rock band Genesis.

What was your most satisfying professional moment?

Having a winning case cited in the White Book.

What was your most embarrassing professional moment?

Splitting the seam of my trousers in the District Court in Hong Kong during cross examination.

What do you least like about being a lawyer?

Too many hats to wear.

And the best thing about being a lawyer?

Being able to make decisions.

Who do you admire most, and why?

Napoleon: a tough son-of-a-bitch who never gave up.

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

Maxwell – plenty to keep me interested.

What character do you most resemble in Ally McBeal, and why?

Fish – a winner!

What is your most annoying habit?

Arguing as though I am in court.

How do you relax?

Go for a run or go to the pub.

What is your most precious possession?

My memory.

Where would you most like to be right now?

On an island in South East Asia.

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

See previous answer.

What subject(s) did you fail at school?

French.

What annoys you most about clients?

They rarely say thank you.

What is your biggest fear?

Getting to the end, looking back and regretting what I have done.