Scott Hopkins, a partner in the Londonoffice of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, advised Japanese media company Nikkei on its acquisition of 127-year-old newspaper, the Financial Times for £884 million in cash.
What were the main challenges?
First, the timing — competitive processes are always a challenge but we were faced with an exceptionally short fuse. We were fortunate to have a client that trusted its advisers’ judgement and was able to take decisions quickly, demonstrating that if the advisory team works cohesively and communicates effectively, Japanese companies can compete and win against anybody. Second, we benefited from collaborative and pragmatic opposing counsel in Oliver Lazenby and Simon Marchant at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. Third, my special personal challenge was keeping up on conference calls very early in the morning — in Japanese — and sometimes before a second cup of coffee.
What was your worst day as a lawyer?
Once when I was acting for the seller, the buyer had several hundred million pounds get lost in the banking system. It took hours for us to work out what had happened — somebody at the bank decided to ignore the instructions and pay it to a different account. I am now a terrible pedant when it comes to confirming funds flow. I call the back office at the bank, make sure they won’t go to lunch, etc. They think I’m crazy.
What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?
I wish I could tell you!
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My wife, Thaisa. Since our first date at 17-years-old, she’s influenced me so much I’m not sure I can distinguish her influence from my own self. One example of her influence is governing my tendency to focus on the next objective, and instead take time to enjoy life along the way. William Harley and Arthur Davidson have had a big impact too . . . Why did you become a lawyer? I like the honour in client service. Absolute commitment to achieving our client’s objectives — it isn’t about us.
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What would your career advice be?
The same as for any career — do it because you love it.
If you had not become a lawyer, what would you have chosen to be?
I moved to London from Tokyo with a view to going into diplomacy or international relations. When I was younger, I would have been a professional ice hockey player.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
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