Steve Edge, a partner at Slaughter and May, is the UK's leading authority on corporate tax law. A proud Lancastrian, born and raised in Bolton, he achieved a 2:2 in law at Exeter before joining the firm in 1973. He distinguished himself in those early years by sporting a beard, a rare sight at Slaughter and May and a remnant of his dalliance with the theatre as a student. Edge went on to make his mark in tax law, attaining almost mythic status in the field. He is now, at 57, one of three long-serving partners — along with Nigel Boardman and competition guru Malcolm Nicholson — whose voices carry the most weight in partnership meetings at One Bunhill Row. Married with two daughters, one of whom is a barrister, he is vice-president of the Lancashire Cricket Federation.

Back to the full Law 100 2008

Did we get it right? Tell us your picks

Law 100: women | Law 100: corporate and business | Law 100: public, criminal and human rights | Law 100: judges

Explore Law

• Columnists

• Law Panel

• Law Reports

• Student Law

Times Recommends

• Linklaters trounces rivals as UK's biggest firm
• Clifford Chance profits plunge 37 per cent
• Casual drinkers hit by spread of 'dry' zones