Steve Kuncewicz

Who? Steve Kuncewicz, 30-year-old assistant and head of media, intellectual property and IT at Manchester firm Ralli.

Why is he in the news? He gave pro bono advice to Brian and Wendy Wilshaw – a couple who have decided to raffle their £1m estate in Devon after being unable to sell it because of the housing slump. The couple are selling tickets for the chance to win the 11.5 acre Oldborough Fishing Retreat, near Crediton, via a website for £25 each. To take part, entrants have to answer a question about the price of a fishing licence. The couple need to sell 46,000 to realise its value after stamp duty and conveyancing fees. If they do not sell enough tickets the winner will receive the total amount of money raised minus administration costs. Kuncewicz will make the draw in December.

Route to the case: ‘The Wilshaws are old family friends.’

Thoughts on the case: ‘It’s been one of the most bizarre things I’ve ever done and it’s been fun, but it’s also been very complicated because it’s so new. We had to consider media, intellectual property, conveyancing and gaming law. The competition had to include an element of skill and judgement to comply with the gaming regulations otherwise it would have been a lottery, for which you need a licence. There have also been issues setting up the website and sorting things out with online payment site PayPal. It’s been a massive learning curve.’

Dealing with the media: ‘There’s been loads of media interest. One of the hardest things has been to convince people that it isn’t a scam, but a genuine offer. It’s an English attitude to be sceptical about things like this. The press have presented it as a novel way of beating the credit crunch.’

Career highlights: ‘Going up against a QC in a confidentiality dispute and winning, and successfully defending a football club against a libel action.’

Worst moment: ‘Starting out in a criminal firm in an office that had a rat.’