The Lawyer Inquiry: The Lawyer Inquiry

Michele O'Neil

Michele O'Neill is an associate with West End firm Peters & Peters. She was born in Carlow, Republic of Ireland in 1963 and is currently moving house.

What was your first job?

Saturday sales assistant at John Lewis - my favourite store.

What was your first ever salary as a lawyer?

£7,250 - Law Society minimum at the time.

What would you have done if you weren't a lawyer?

Aspired to be the new Delia Smith.

Which law could you well live without?

The new Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.

What car do you drive?

Despite three attempts, I can't.

Who inspires you?

Delia Smith, and until quite recently the Republic of Ireland football team.

What's the best thing on TV?

'Masterchef' and football.

Which movie do you wish you'd appeared in?

'A Room with a View'.

What makes you seethe?

Estate agents and mortgage lenders - the bain of my life at

the moment.

What's your most-worn piece of clothing?

The inevitable black suit, and a kitchen apron (not together).

What is the worst piece of architecture?

Any modern court building, because they lack atmosphere.

What is your favourite record?

'It's not Unusual' by Tom Jones; 'Ole' by the Irish football team.

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

The idiot's guide to the New Criminal Justice Act and a pile of cookery books.

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

See a psychiatrist and your bank manager.

Where would you most like to be right now?

In my new house

Where do you see yourself in five years' time?

Finally completing the purchase of my new house and winning 'Masterchef'.