Jan Levinson, a partner at the Manchester office of Beachcroft LLP, represents Ben Collett, the former Manchester United footballer, whose career was ended when he was injured in a tackle in 2003 and who has been awarded more than £4.3 million in compensation. The total payment will be decided at a hearing in October.

What were the main challenges in this case and the possible implications in the field of sport — or more generally?

Although I have handled three of the four biggest cases in this area, that this award was the highest to a professional sportsperson so far, meant the media interest was incredibly intense. So one of my biggest challenges was coming out of court and dealing with the media pack. In terms of implications, claims such as this are relatively rare so I do not expect the judgment to open the floodgates to a range of similar cases.

What was your worst day as a lawyer?

Probably the day I pressed “send” on an e-mail to a fellow trainee that was less than complimentary about one of the partners, only to realise that I had erroneously copied in the subject of the e-mail. Good thing the partner saw the funny side of it . . .

What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?

This case is certainly up there; it is only really matched by the first high-profile sporting case I did for Gordon Watson in 1999 (the first £1 million award for a sportsperson), which was a similarly intense but equally rewarding experience.

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

In terms of my career, Ashley Wilton, Dean of the Law Faculty at Newcastle University, had a big influence. I should also mention my mother — her effortless skill of putting everyone she meets at immediate ease is one I have tried to emulate, with varying degrees of success.

Why did you become a lawyer?

My father is an accountant, which didn’t seem overly interesting as a youngster; as is oft said I can’t stand the sight of blood, so law was really the most viable option.

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

Choosing a career in law is an enormous commitment so make sure it’s really what you want. Talk to as many people in the industry as possible and apply for work placements in the firms or areas of law that interest you so that you can road-test them before you make your final decision.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Watching England win the 2018 Football World Cup when it is hopefully staged on these shores.

l_tsang@hotmail.co.uk

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