Work Life Quiz: Philip Sinel, Sinels
If you weren’t a lawyer what would you have been? A spook.
Philip Sinel
What was your first-ever job?
Picking potatoes by hand after the harvester broke down.
What was your worst experience as a trainee?
Writing wills that contained gifts to the client’s legal advisers.
Where’s the best place to go if you want to find out what’s really going on in the office?
My PA.
What time do you usually leave the office?
7pm.
What do you do at weekends?
Spend time with my family, walk the dogs, water sports.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
Asha’s, Dubai.
What’s your favourite film?
Kung Fu Hustle.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.
Who’s your hero and why?
Nelson Mandela – he had the spiritual wisdom not to take revenge against his tormentors.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Facilitating a just result.
What’s the toughest thing about your job?
Explaining to clients that they cannot or will not win despite being in the right.
What’s your biggest work/career mistake and what did you learn from it?
Trusting the wrong people in business.
What car do you drive?
911 Carrera convertible Porsche.
What book are you currently reading?
The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hahn.
What’s your favourite children’s book?
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
What’s the most exciting deal/case you’ve worked on and why?
Mayo v Cantrade & Ors – the recovery of £26.5m despite a very hostile environment. Justice achieved against the odds.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what two luxury items would you take?
None – you have to embrace the experience.
What’s the worst partner conference location you’ve attended and why?
Law Group UK in Hinchcliffe. A conference facilitated effectively in a motorway service station.
What’s the longest you’ve worked without sleep?
Less than 24 hours – I always sleep.
If a movie was being made about your life, which actor would play you and why?
Jackie Chan – I share his sense of humour.
Who would you least like to be stuck in a lift with and why?
George Bush – his phoney sincerity offends me.
Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself (in any order):
I’m a good fisherman; I’m always losing my office swipe card; I’m a very spiritual person.
CV
Name: Philip Sinel
Firm: Sinels
Title: Advocate
Lives: Jersey, Channel Islands
Education:
1975-78: MiIlfield School, Somerset
1979-82: LLB with Licensing Law Degree, Buckingham University
1983-85: Inns of Court
Work history:
1984: Trainee, Mourant du Feu & Jeune
1985-86: In-house counsel at various trust companies
1987-present: Founder, Sinels
