Clients of Allen & Overy logging on to the firm’s website on 19 June will have been in for a shock to discover the omniscient data portal temporarily jammed shut.

“Our clients are at the heart of our vision,” read the reassuring guff on the ‘website unavailable’ message, aiming to sooth clients panicking at their inability to access Alan Paul’s personal profile. “Every client is unique. We strive to know our clients better and to understand their businesses, strategies, internal structures and people.”