Partner acted for MP Nigel Waterson

Who? Mark Elder, 39, dispute resolution and commercial litigation partner at the Birmingham offices of national firm Irwin Mitchell.

Why is he in the news? Acted at the High Court in defamation proceedings brought by Nigel Waterson, a former Eastbourne Conservative MP, whose successful rival in the 2010 general election campaign, Stephen Lloyd, had published reports accusing Waterson of being an ‘expenses scandal MP’. In a summary judgment on 8 December, the High Court ruled that Lloyd had no real prospect of successfully defending the case. Damages and costs will be decided at a later date. Lloyd has made an application for leave to appeal.

Thoughts on the case:‘The central issue was the “honest comment” defence - whether Lloyd’s statements were allegations of fact or expressions of opinion. The court’s clear-cut decision for my client served as an important reminder that comments made on issues involving the public interest need to be clearly identifiable as such.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘My father, who was senior clerk at a local barristers chambers, told me that I was not good enough to become a professional footballer and should go out and get a proper job.’

Career high: ‘You can’t get a better high than being ­successful for clients on a daily basis.’

Career low: ‘I was rushing to make the time slot for an urgent ex-parte injunction and in my haste picked up the wrong file. I had to think on my feet and survived, somehow.’