Work Life Quiz: Amanda Anson, Anthony Hodari & Co

What was your first ever job?

As a court clerk in my local solicitors office.

What was your worst experience as a trainee?

Trying to get an infant claim approved at court without the child being in attendance.

Where is the best place to go if you want to find out what’s really going on in the office?

On a night out to the pub.

What do you do at weekends?

Ride my horse, spend time with my family, walk my dog, go for a few drinks and a meal.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

The Market Restaurant in the Northern Quarter, Manchester.

If you weren’t a lawyer what would you have been?

An author.

What is your favourite film?

High Society.

What was the first record you ever bought?

Making your mind up by Bucks Fizz.

Who’s your hero and why?

My sister for fighting breast cancer with a smile and an incredibly positive attitude.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The ever changing nature of the role and being able to mentor people and see the results. Working with great people on all levels.

What’s the toughest thing about your job?

Realising someone can’t be helped – “there’s a time to hug and a time to kick”.

What’s your biggest work career mistake and what did you learn from it?

Drafting my first statement as a trainee and being criticised by a judge at trial for the quality of it. I wasn’t alone, though, as the solicitor on the other side also got criticised for their statement. I learned how to do a decent statement very quickly.

What car do you drive?

Mini cooper S.

What book are you currently reading?

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón.

What’s the most exciting deal/case you have worked on and why?

My first trial as a qualified solicitor. The other side had alleged fraud and this was a time when fraud was a relatively new defence. I took a chance on my client and went on a two-day trial, and won.

If you were stranded on a desert island what two luxury items would you take?

Jonny Depp and a bottle of rum.

If a movie was being made about your life, which actor would play you and why?

Uma Thurman, I admire her.

Who would you least like to be stuck in a lift with and why?

Hannibal Lecter.

Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself (in any order):

I used to be a tap dancer; I have a bright yellow fire hydrant in my lounge; I learnt yoga in Ibiza.