Southwest juggernaut Michelmores sprung into action this week with its annual ‘Run For Your Job’ race. The 200m dash saw fee earners pitted against support staff, with the losers subject to a sweeping redundancy consultation – and all without having to blame the credit crunch. Genius . . .

Of course, we jest – this was in fact the ninth annual 5km charity run round Exeter City centre, which is sponsored by the Devon-based firm and sees around 1,000 participants representing a variety of charities. Who said lawyers are a cold-blooded breed?