What or who at the Law School helped shape you into the lawyer you are today?

Professor Lynda Warren was a real inspiration and mentor. She, more than anyone else, has shaped me into the lawyer I am today. 

Why did you choose to take up environmental work as a speciality?

Environmental law is a fascinating area, which is continually evolving. I was lucky enough to be able to study this at Cardiff and even luckier to meet Professor Warren who really sparked my interest in it. No two days are ever the same and it is this variety that really appeals to me. 

How long have you been at Macfarlanes and what is it about the firm that makes you happy to stay there?

I joined Macfarlanes in 2002. Prior to that I was HSE Counsel for Northern Hemisphere Operations at Schlumberger [the leading oilfield services provider] based in Paris, and before that I was at Slaughter and May, an international law firm. Macfarlanes is a fantastic firm with great quality of work and excellent people. 

In November you were recognised in Who's Who Legal's Most Highly Regarded Firms: Environment 2011 listing. Both firms and practitioners who stand out worldwide are identified, and you were in the top 10 most highly-regarded individuals – the only UK-based person to be on the list. What does this mean to you and your firm? 

I was very flattered to be recognised by Who's Who Legal. However, it is as much a reflection on my team and the firm as a whole.

Was it all work at Cardiff, or did you enjoy some fun extra-curricular activities too while you were there?

Cardiff was certainly not all work and no play. The extra-curricular activities were second to none. I also had the privilege of living with David Roylance, who is now Head of Undergraduate Recruitment & Widening Access – a small world! Despite living together for five years we have remained excellent friends! He is one of the few people who I can talk to and always end up laughing within five minutes. 

What would be the best advice you would give to someone who was considering pursuing a career in the legal profession today, particularly in the environmental field?

Enjoy what you do, be passionate about it and don't be embarrassed or ashamed to admit that you are a lawyer!

Are there any cases that you remember as being turning points in your career?

I have two highlights. The first was acting for Alchemy Partners [a private equity firm] in 2001 when it bought CompAir [which specialises in compressed air and gas systems]. I worked with the management team until 2008 when it sold the business, making a significant return on its investment. The other highlight has been working for Trafigura [which trades in raw materials such as base metals and oil] in connection with a group litigation claim in West Africa. The original allegations were that our client was responsible for deaths and a number of serious injuries. Ultimately, a group of experts concluded that, at worst, the incident in question could have resulted in flu-like symptoms.

What motivated you to get to where you are today?

I was very ill as a young child and it was touch and go as to whether I would live. Therefore I try and get as much out of every day as possible and try to live life to the full. 

Who are the people that have inspired you over the years – whether while you were at university, or work, iconic legal/environmental compaigner luminaries from yesteryear, dead or alive?

There are a handful of people who have really inspired me over the years: Professor Lynda Warren who I have previously mentioned, Ed Keeble at Slaughter and May (a first-class lawyer with a razor-sharp mind) and also my father. He had a fantastic sense of humour and was an amazing individual who has sadly passed away now. 

Are there any heroes that you identify with or admire from the media or entertainment world? 

Richard Burton reading from the drama Milk Wood – nothing compares! [Richard Burton featured as the key 'narrator' in the BBC radio dramas of Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas in 1954 and 1963, reprised on radio in 2003, and in the 1972 film. Ed].

What has been your proudest career moment so far?

Probably the listing in Who's Who Legal, closely followed by becoming a partner at Macfarlanes. 

What do you hope to achieve in the future at Macfarlanes and beyond?

Lots of things, but I am not going to tempt fate by telling you!

What makes Cardiff University such a special place?

Cardiff is a very special place for so many reasons – not least because of the fact that I met my wife there in a constitutional tutorial. 

Do you have any links with Cardiff Law School and its students now? 

Cardiff Law School is incredibly important to Macfarlanes in terms of recruiting and we now have Cardiff graduates at trainee, assistant and partner level. Our links are very strong and we support the law fair, sponsor the law journal and some of the law school competitions, and also the debating society.