Dominic Crossley, a partner at Steeles Law, acts for Max Mosley, president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, who succeeded in his High Court action against the News of the World and won record privacy damages of £60,000 over the publication of a video and article showing scenes of a sadomasochistic orgy. Mosley has issued proceedings for libel.

What were the main challenges in this case?

Some sections of the media have reacted to the judgment as if it represents such a shift in judicial interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights that it will prevent investigative journalists pursuing their trade. This is nonsense. UK case law at the time the article was published was sufficiently clear to give our client a reason to be confident in succeeding in his claim. The only novel aspect was that the court had to assess damages in such extreme circumstances and where the defendant had prevented the claimant an opportunity for an injunction. The biggest challenge in the case was protecting the identity of our witnesses.

What was your worst day as a lawyer?

Attending an important meeting as a trainee to a high-flying new partner; I made my best attempt to appear professional until the time came to leave and my battered Peugeot 205 wouldn’t start. I had to try to persuade the partner and clients to help me to jump-start it — to my shame and their amusement.

What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?

The Mosley case has had numerous moments that Tim Lowles (who worked with me on the case) and I will never forget. Apart from that case, my most exciting experience was working on a murder trial as a trainee solicitor. Criminal law really is the sharp end, and getting to know the defendant and his family during that trial was an extraordinary experience.

Who has been the most influential person in your life?

The partners at this firm have given me great support and encouragement. Nigel Lubbock, the senior partner, was the first person to give me the confidence that I could make a success of a career in law and, perhaps more importantly, have fun along the way.

Why did you become a lawyer?

I had a stormy relationship with my biology teacher. I hotly contested every poor mark he gave me, which led to his observation that, although I was never going to make a scientist, I might make a decent lawyer.

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

Some legal disciplines can seem dry but my experience of litigation is that it does provide wonderful variety and constant challenges. Being a lawyer is tough, but if you can work with a nice bunch (as I do) and keep a sense of humour then you should be OK.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Sadly, I see little escape from the world of litigation for some time. That said, I am still at an early stage of my career and I hope that new challenges present themselves.

l_tsang@hotmail.co.uk

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