Meanwhile, proof finally that those lawyers who gratefully flee back to the regions citing ‘work-life balance’ are perhaps not always completely frank about their motives.

One corporate partner based in the idyllic surrounds of Guildford this week bragged to The Diary about his lead role on a recent transaction which had kept him working through the night on no less than four successive evenings – a caffeine-stained badge of honour for any self-respecting deal-freak.