City partners have always loved to splash the cash in a bid to out-glitz their rivals – and hanging out with Hollywood royalty is surely as good a way as any – but that could be about to change, judging by the recent boast of a partner at Kirkland & Ellis.

Turning the tables on free-loading legal hacks, many of whom live exclusively on a diet of free booze and complimentary canapes, the partner proudly declared to a Diary spy: “I have been reading your magazine for years and I have never, ever paid for it!”