Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Andrew Kaufman of Fladgate LLP in England.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
My practice comprises advising German (and other foreign) companies on their business interests in the UK.

Who would be your typical client?
My typical client is a substantial German family-owned business (Mittelstand).

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
I would like clients and potential clients to know that I am an excellent communicator, have a great deal of common sense and experience, and try not to bother them with the technical aspects of the law.  

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
My most challenging case was to prove that a Greek-Cypriot restaurant owner in London used undue influence to steal valuable jewelry and fur coats from an old lady who was dying of cancer. I was acting for her stepdaughter and beneficiary under her will.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
My proudest moment was when the Greek restaurateur effectively collapsed in court and ten minutes later, the case was won!

What do you do when you’re not practicing law?
When I don’t practice law, I watch football and opera (not at the same time) and play with Ella, my two-year-old granddaughter.

What would surprise people most about you?
I think people would be surprised to learn that I stood in the same part of the stadium (if it can be called such) at Watford FC as did Sir Elton John in the 1960s (and have continued to do so, although I now have a posh seat!). 

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
I think my most memorable ILN experience was dancing to the Beatles tribute band at Madame Tussaud’s during the London conference.  

What career would you have chosen if you weren’t a lawyer?
If I had not been a lawyer, I would have been a (bad) football reporter.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
I would like Jean-Louis Trintignant (but when he was young!) to play me (the male lead in Un homme et une femme). He got to kiss Anouk Aimée! 

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as a good husband, father, grandfather and trusted adviser.