Partners at Cliffe Dekker, the South African ally of transatlantic titan DLA Piper, are lucky enough to enjoy a brush with greatness whenever Sir Nigel of Knowles drops by for a chat. However, The Diary recently learned of an occasion when partners at another Johannesburg firm, Bell Dewar Hall, received an almost-as-important visitor.

The firm’s erstwhile senior partner was happily watering the plants in his office when the firm’s receptionist broke some unexpected news.