Work Life Quiz: Louise Griffiths, Stephensons

What was your first-ever job?

A shoe shop assistant.

What was your worst ­experience as a trainee?

Coming into work in a lilac suit to find that I was unexpectedly going to court. As I walked into the courtroom the judge exclaimed: “A vision in violet!” Embarrassing, to say the least.

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

Our team of assistant ­solicitors always knows what’s going on in the office.

What time do you usually leave the office?

I used to work a lot longer hours, but after becoming a mum I need to leave in time to pick up my son from nursery.

What do you do at weekends?

I enjoy eating out and walking, but these days I’m more likely to be found in a soft-play centre.

What’s your favourite ­restaurant?

The Three Fishes in ­Whalley.

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

A hairdresser. I’m known for never keeping the same hair colour for more than six months 

What’s your favourite film?

The Life of Brian.

What was the first record you ever bought?

Parallel Lines by Blondie.

Who’s your hero and why?

I haven’t really got a hero, but I admire women such as [West Ham United FC vice-chair] ­Karren Brady, who has achieved great success in a man’s world.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Obtaining a reward of damages for deserving clients who have suffered as a result of medical ­negligence. The money they receive never ­compensates fully, but helps them adjust to what can be greatly altered lives.

What’s the toughest thing about your job?

There are never enough hours in the day.

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

Thinking I could do ­everything myself. I’ve come to realise that by ­having a good team I can share the load.

What car do you drive?

BMW X3.

What book are you reading?

The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory.

What’s your favourite ­children’s book?

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis.

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

A wrongful birth case that took nine years to settle. We eventually reached a settlement of several ­million pounds that will allow the ­parents to ­provide the right ­environment for their disabled child.

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

Champagne and iPhone.

What’s the worst partner ­conference location you’ve attended and why?

They’ve all been good. They provide a great chance to catch up with people and have a drink or two.

What’s the longest you’ve worked without sleep?

I haven’t worked through the night since my student days.

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

Natalie Portman, because she’s a great actress. And it doesn’t hurt that she’s young and attractive.

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

Someone with an odour problem.

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

I can’t cook; I once ­danced salsa for the Cuban ambassador; I love ballroom dancing.