Work Life Quiz: Robin Patey, Express Solicitors

What was your first-ever job?

I delivered newspapers from the age of 13, dragging a shopping trolley through the sun, rain, hail and snow for £2.60 a week.

What was your worst experience as a trainee?

Representing a Ferrari driver in a road traffic accident case against a Subaru driver with whom my client had collided. Part-way through, the district judge indicated he had been a Subaru driver for many years. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t go our way.

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

The ladies toilets - not that I go in of course, but there’s always a way of finding out what’s been said.

What time do you usually leave the office?

I have a 14-month-old and, as I made a promise to do bath time, I try to be out the door by 6pm. I’m in the office before 8am most days.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Damson in Heaton Moor. Friendly, stylish and the food is fantastic.

What is your favourite film?

A Few Good Men - underneath this personal injury lawyer is a Tom Cruise in the making.

What’s the toughest thing about your job?

Being battered by the media for being a personal injury lawyer when, in fact, we really do make a difference to our clients’ lives.

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

In business terms it was starting on too small a scale. I should have known to think big from the start.

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

A fraud case where the insurers claimed my client had staged the accident in which he was injured. After a six-day trial on a conditional fee agreement we won.

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

I’ve never been to one, so I’ll just say the parties at our managing partner’s house are legendary.

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

Anyone who has ever worked at the MoJ. Ask any claimant personal injury lawyer why if you don’t already know.

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

I’ve been on stage at The Royal Opera House; I’m an avid Corrie fan; I have a phobia of bats.