Simon Davies has been elected as the youngest managing partner of Linklaters so far at the age of 39. He is currently the firm’s Asian managing partner based in Hong Kong. He will take up his new position in January 2008, based in London.

What was your reaction to the appointment and what will your 12 years in Asia bring to your new position?

I was honoured by the appointment. My time in Asia will be invaluable in setting our direction and supporting our clients in the fastest-growing legal market in the world. We have listened carefully to our clients to meet their needs, for example in growing our structured finance team. We have also listened closely to our people and provided them with more feedback, training and assistance, such as childcare support. Throughout the world, we need this dual focus of ensuring that our clients receive the highest-quality advice and our people the greatest opportunity to develop.

What was your worst day as a lawyer?

Having missed a two-hour flight from Tokyo to Seoul, I spent a sleepless eight-hour overnight flight to Seoul via Guam to attend an all-day negotiation. This preparation for a client meeting is not recommended.

What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?

Winning court injunctions on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve during my first six months of training with the firm. The injunctions were awarded in respect of a family feud over assets in Bermuda.

Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?

I have been blessed with the courage and values of my mother and the business acumen of my father. Today, my partner, Minori, keeps me grounded and appreciating the simple things. At work, I've been influenced by some outstanding lawyers, including Charles Allen-Jones and Andrew Carmichael.

Why did you become a lawyer?

I read law at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and it clicked. Law had seemed like a safe bet and would provide financial independence. I had initially planned to practise family law but found the cut and thrust of corporate finance more appealing. I have no regrets.

What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law?

Work hard and have fun.

If you had not become a lawyer, what would you have chosen and why?

I considered becoming an actor, having been in the National Youth Theatre and later the European Theatre Group in Cambridge. However, after an audition one day, I was asked to “wait by the phone” for the result. I didn’t like the sound of that.

Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

At this time of the year, sailing around the Maldives.

l_tsang@hotmail.com

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