Who? John MacKenzie, 56-year-old sole practitioner in Henley-on-Thames.

Why is he in the news? Acts for Angela McConnell, a warrant officer in army regiment the King's Royal Hussars who had an affair with a major - dubbed the 'galloping major' by the media.

Ms McConnell claims that she was pestered into the affair, which was against army regulations, and that she was treated differently to the major when the liaison was exposed.

The affair received widespread media interest as Ms McConnell described men running around naked at regimental parties and details emerged of a 'bets book' in which officers wagered on their ability to seduce junior staff.

The major denies harassment, claiming the relationship was consensual, and the Ministry of Defence denies sexual discrimination.

Judgment has been reserved.

Background: Attended Southampton University Law Faculty 1967-70, then completed bar finals.

Tenant at 4 Paper Buildings from 1972-76, took Law Society finals in 1976 and set up MacKenzie Patten in Bloomsbury in 1979.

In 1984, set up MacKenzie Knight in Southall and Hounslow, then in 1996 joined Sheratte Coleb in the City.

In 2002, established his own practice in Henley-on-Thames.

Route to the case: Extensive experience of military cases, including two that went to the European Court of Human Rights in the late 1990s, and was recommended to Ms McConnell by another soldier.

Thoughts on the case: 'Litigation against the army is very tricky.

It is a tribal organisation, and you have to understand the nuances of its hierarchy and language.

It is also a very intimidating organisation to litigate against - I received a letter from the Treasury solicitors questioning whether I had an honest belief in my client's case.

That suggestion has now been dropped.

Dealing with the media: 'It is irritating to see the tabloids publish only certain sections of the evidence.

I tell the media what I want to, and not what I don't want to.

I try to communicate more with the more responsible elements, but there are often agency reporters and you have no idea whom they are providing copy to.'

Rachel Rothwell