Nicholas Francis QC, barrister and head of chambers, 29 Bedford Row Chambers

I was the first lawyer in my family and we had few contacts in the legal profession. I am told that I cross-examined almost from the moment that I could talk. I enjoy debate and was attracted by the challenges and freedom of self-employment. More than anything, I wanted to be an advocate. I recall spending some time in court with a magistrate when I was about 16 and from that time on was more or less decided that I wanted to be a barrister.

Finding the right type of set

I chose, ridiculously with hindsight, a pupillage in an admiralty set of chambers. I think I had decided that because I had a passion for sailing I would somehow make a good shipping lawyer. I spent six months sitting at a desk, with only the occasional visit to court or to arbitration. I quickly learned that my passion for sailing did not extend to charter parties and I was lucky enough to secure an alternative pupillage at a mixed common law set. In those days barristers tended to be far less specialist than is now the case. I found myself in court in my own right almost daily and suddenly I was doing exactly the job that I had wanted. I enjoy it today as much as ever, albeit it can be too demanding at times.