What attracted you to the role?
I have spent a lot of time advising banks in my career, either as outside counsel or in-house, so I feel very comfortable operating in that environment. It is also only with a UK bank that an English lawyer is likely to have the opportunity of filling the group general counsel role. This is a rare opportunity to direct the legal affairs for the whole of the bank and to provide legal input on strategic and operational issues at the highest level. I also really like the members of the Barclays’ team I have met, which is an important factor in any move.
Why the move back to an in-house role after three years in private practice?
It certainly was not part of the plan. It has been a very difficult decision. I have been in the fortunate position of enjoying both in-house and private practice roles. I guess it comes down to the attraction of being involved at the heart of a leading international bank. I remember how stimulating I found it at UBS to be among outstanding people from different business backgrounds and with different skills. I look forward to that again.
