Unlike their US counterparts, most UK lawyers, it would seem, do not need a second invitation to retire. In fact, many big City firms do not even give them the choice, ejecting the older guard with merciless regularity.

There are, however, a minority who steadfastly refuse to relinquish their ties with the profession. Lord Mishcon, founder of Mishcon de Reya, is still going strong, celebrating his 90th birthday just a couple of weeks ago.