Emily Koch speaks to barrister Tim Kevan about his work.

What is the first thing you do when you get to work?
When I’m at court, the first thing I do is go through the security barrier. Then I have to find the client.

What’s the best thing about your job?
I like the fact I have to deal with different issues each day. Also, there’s an independence that comes from being self-employed.

Would you rather settle a claim or go to court?
Whichever is in the best interests of the client for the particular case.

Would you rather represent a claimant or defendant?
Either. The Bar’s ‘cab rank rule’ means that you don’t pick and choose your cases merely on the basis of personal preference.

What do you like to do outside work?
Getting out of London with my fiancée – I particularly like surfing. In fact, we’ve both just finished a motivational book called Why Lawyers Should Surf.

What’s on your iPod at the moment?
Old stuff like Rolling Stones, James Taylor and The Eagles.

What’s a good night out?
Dinner with my fiancée and a few good friends.

What’s your favourite place?
There are a few: Minehead in Somerset, the North Devon coastline and Sedbergh in Cumbria.

Eastenders or Newsnight?
Newsnight

I’m good at….
Bringing different people together both in business and socially.

I’m not so good at…
Time management. Or at least, I’d like to be better.

If I wasn’t a barrister, I would probably be…
A businessman. Last year I co-founded a company with fellow barrister Daniel Barnett providing solicitors with CPD training in personal injury and employment law through online seminars or ‘webinars’. I also think I’d probably be writing in one form or another.