Peter McLintock

Peter McLintock is a corporate lawyer and partner at national law firm Mills & Reeve LLP,

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN YOUR CURRENT JOB?

I have been with M&R for five years and have a wider 30-year background working on deals.

EXPLAIN A TYPICAL WEEK IN YOUR WORKING LIFE:

Weeks are rarely typical. A number of clients may have all made strategic decisions to buy, sell, merge or de-merge all or parts of their business - a life-transforming event for clients, who put trust in you to deliver a project to timetable, budget and with minimum drama.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUR INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?

Avoiding getting replaced by robots! The advance of AI, big data and the internet of things will have huge impact on the future of professional services. The challenge is to try and foresee ‘the art of the possible’, making access to advice as simple as possible, while remaining the trusted adviser for clients.

AND WHAT ARE THE BIG OPPORTUNITIES?

UK law firms are recognised as the premier league. As the professional services model morphs, our business-savvy lawyers will be at the forefront of this technological and social transformation.

HOW DO YOU GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR STAFF?

Not by strapping them to their desks. You have to treat people like adults, show good guidance and allow them to fly – behaviour practiced at Mills & Reeve, the only UK law firm to appear in the Sunday Times’ 100 Best Employers Survey for 15 consecutive years.

WHAT WAS YOUR LAST MEETING ABOUT, HOW LONG DID IT LAST, AND WAS IT PRODUCTIVE?

It was a meeting with a successful self-made businessman, comfortable enough to admit that he is on the verge of burn-out. He wants to hand over the reins of his business, seeking a life for him and his family abroad. I was there to plan a ‘soft landing’, introducing long-term funders and providing a clean break from the firm.

HOW MANY EMAILS DO YOU GET IN A DAY, AND HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE TO READ THEM?

I receive hundreds. It is a big tail-chasing exercise just keeping on top.  I once read a short, but powerful book called ‘Eat that Frog’, based on a Chinese proverb that encourages tackling most unappetising issues first, before the pleasant tasks – a rule I apply to my inbox.

DO YOU ANSWER WORK CALLS OR EMAILS AT HOME? WHAT’S THE RIGHT WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

With the onset of smartphones, clients realise you can be reached 24/7. In an increasingly global world, different time zones do necessitate flexibility, so the answer is yes. Most do not abuse the privilege, meaning it is possible to carve out quality home and family life – essential for a healthy mind.

HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR COLLEAGUES WOULD DESCRIBE YOU?

Open, honest, friendly and approachable. Someone you would want in your team.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

The smiles, handshakes and odd popping of corks at the end of deals where clients have achieved long-held ambitions. Some have made news headlines, but many equally as rewarding only mattered to the individuals involved. Recently, I have enjoyed my protégés gaining partnership after years of hard work and personal development.

ANY PARTICULAR FAUX PAS OR EMBARRASSING MOMENTS IN YOUR CAREER YOU WOULD PREFER TO FORGET?

Absolutely loads and now you have made me remember some of the most excruciating! No tragedies and important lessons were learned along the way.

PET HATES?

Pomposity and pedantry. Lawyers are paid to get things done, not showboat academic arrogance.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF SOME WISE ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

If you don’t understand what someone just said or the jargon used, ask for clarification. There is no such thing as a stupid question – except one you don’t ask.

HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM WORK?

I am not short of alternative pursuits. With four children, I am always in demand as a driver and amateur coach. I enjoy skiing, golf, and donning my lycra to join the two-wheeled legions. My main passion is following Manchester City – an experience marked by unbridled joy after years of pain and suffering.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS COMMUNITY?

It would be its warmth and endeavour.  As a Mancunian, I am adopted as a Brummie and my enduring feeling is that the region is full of enterprising individuals, who are working hard to position the city at the heart of the ‘Midlands Engine’ – a hotbed of innovation where more than cars are made.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE PROBABLY WOULDN’T KNOW.

I used to be a punk rocker, complete with safety pins and a dog collar!

YOU CAN TAKE ONE BOOK, ONE FILM AND ONE CD ONTO A DESERT ISLAND – WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

I would continue ploughing through the entirety of George RR Martin’s ‘Game of Thrones’. For film, I would choose De Niro in ‘Once Upon a Time in America’. My CD would be ‘Listen’ by David Guetta – a perfect accompaniment as I cycle around the island.

YOUR FIVE DREAM DINNER PARTY GUESTS, DEAD OR ALIVE?

For pure human spirit, Nelson Mandela, for glamour, Jane Fonda, musical accomplishment, Bono and for personal admiration, Bryn Parry – founder of Help For Heroes. Keeping the conversation flowing - Graham Norton.

WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO EAT FOR YOUR LAST SUPPER?

Easy. Rare fillet steak with hand cut fat chips and portobello mushrooms, followed by banoffee pie and double cream. Is this served at the pearly gates or on the Green Mile?