Charles Randell, a partner at Slaughter and May, has been the main legal adviser to HM Treasury and a key architect of the UK bank recovery plan — from the recapitalisations of RBS, Lloyds TSB and HBOS and the package of support to the banking industry, through to the Icelandic banks, Bradford & Bingley, the Bank of England’s special liquidity scheme, the Banking Reform Bill and Northern Rock.

What were the main challenges in advising on the bank recovery plan?

The sheer volume of work that had to be done in a very short time. After our team had worked through three nights in a row, I ended up jumping out of a cab on Whitehall at 6.50am on Monday with the final agreements and sprinting to the Treasury so that they could be signed ahead of the opening of the markets.

What was your worst day as a lawyer?

Probably day four of the Barings insolvency in 1995. I had had so little sleep since the start of the crisis that I became a liability to our team. They sensibly pretended that it would be useful if I went to Tokyo to plead with the authorities there to return Barings’ money — a wild goose chase that got me out of their hair.

What was your most memorable experience?

The past year has been pretty memorable — advising the Treasury on the credit crunch, including Northern Rock, Bradford & Bingley, the Icelandic banks and the recapitalisations of RBS, Lloyds TSB and HBOS. It has given me the opportunity to work with dozens of partners and associates at Slaughter and May, as well as Treasury lawyers and policy people. Their ability and dedication has been impressive.

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

Apart from Celia, my wife, Giles Henderson the former Slaughter and May senior partner. He is a man of great principle and insight, a fine leader — and very kind.

Why did you become a lawyer?

My father died shortly after I won a place at Oxford to read English. With my mother living on a Civil Service widow’s pension, I decided to change to a vocational degree so that I would be able to support myself.

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

Don’t let it get in the way of other interests. Review your CV once a year throughout your career to make sure you are not becoming a one-trick pony.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I have a half-share in a boat. I see myself on board, cruising the coasts of the British Isles and France — without a BlackBerry.

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