There are various reasons for the internal tensions you can just about detect at certain Anglo-German advisers – usually to do with cash rather than culture. Sometimes, however, the problem is simply one of communication – too much communication.
At a recent meeting with a German counterpart, one City lawyer was bemused to be told by the partner in MTV-accented English that she reminded her of “fresh wind”.
Of course, the partner, who had until then impressed with her easy command of English, meant that her City colleague was like a breath of fresh air – rather than the old farts more commonly associated with City law.
