The Hot 100 career quiz: Burges Salmon net zero head Ross Fairley

What’s your most vivid memory from being a trainee?

I recall having a fantastic time as a trainee.  I do however remember one situation when, having only recently moved seats to litigation, a file was thrust into my hand and I was told to get down to the Strand Courts and try to argue against an adjournment before one of the masters in the Court. So I approached the hearing with great trepidation. I had been told to use the time I had (30 minutes) to read the file and was given instructions on how to behave and what to refer to the master as.

After hearing from the other side’s lawyer (for what seemed an endless amount of time), the master turned to me asked if I had any comment and I said “yes, I oppose the order”. After a silent 30 seconds, during which I wasn’t able to expand, my faith in humanity was reaffirmed… the master seeing I clearly had little experience took pity on me and effectively took over from me by asking me questions to which the answers could only really be ‘yes’.  As I answered “yes”, the master was egging me on with his eyes and almost nodding along with me.

The adjournment was granted but with conditions around it that I was told on my return to the office, meant it was a good result. The master had every right to squash me in that room in front of the other experienced lawyer but he didn’t: good on him. From that moment on that I knew litigation wasn’t for me…!

What is the thing in your professional career that has terrified you or taken you out of your comfort zone the most?

What is the wisest thing anyone ever said to you (and who said it)?

Blimey, I’ve been lucky to have had loads of really good advice from great people over the years.  But the one that really stands out for me from my late father, who was a sports journalist. He would always say when I was writing anything, even a thank you letter: “Check once and then check again.”

I think that is more relevant than ever, now with email prompting swift responses.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to get to where you are/do the job you do?

My advice is:

• • If you’re set on a career in law, make sure you practise in an area you enjoy.  Life in a commercial law firm is pretty full-on but if you enjoy most of what you’re doing, it can be immensely rewarding and I have been lucky in that respect.  Conversely, I have seen too many lawyers sucked into areas that really were not their choice and trading enjoyment for money.
  • It pays to remember that we’re in a service industry and I make a point of asking myself regularly why is anyone (whether an internal or external client) going to instruct me?  If you can always answer that, you’ll be fine.

What’s your best friend from law school doing now?

When he’s not taking great photos, he’s is busy advising a collection of start-up businesses and charities having been a tax lawyer, commercial lead in-house and an excellent GC.