What is it about anniversaries and law firm collapses? No sooner had the dust settled on a glittering banquet to celebrate DJ Freeman’s 50th anniversary than its various departments were going their separate ways.

On Coudert Brothers’ website you can view a video to celebrate “150 years of excellence, innovation and global service”. Given the tailspin it has been in over the last few months, it would be hard to find a more graphic example of a firm living on its past glories.