The Y? factor

Suddenly it seems that the most desirable accessory for any top law firm is a celebrity. A fortnight ago it was Sir Ian McKellen at Herbert Smith’s LGBT Network launch. Last Monday it was Rhydian, of The X Factor, singing at the farewell presentation for Dick Tyler, CMS Cameron McKenna’s retiring managing partner.

It was, by any standards, a novelty. CMS had taken over the Barbican’s theatre for an early evening slot and first off there was a nod in the direction of the firm’s attempt to raise £100k for the NSPCC. Next a brief but heartfelt presentation of a This is Your Life- style book of memories and photographs for the departing Tyler. And then — as Tyler generously announced to the on-looking staff and partners — “Probably the reason you’re really here. The person we all voted for — including my daughter and I twice ! — from X Factor — Rhydian!” And with an ear-banging backing tape with the house lights full up, Rhydian Roberts, appeared on stage to give us a run-through of his greatest hits from the TV series.

“I didn’t realise it was going to be a sit-down do,” he admitted, looking nervously out at the half-filled auditorium of people with their bags and coats ready-to-go. “So maybe you’ll hate me for doing this one!” At which point he threw himself — together with the microphone stand — into Go West. No worries though. They loved it, especially when the blonde in the white blouse in the middle of the third row got up and into her groove, urging her neighbours to do the same.

At the end there was as much wild applause as you are likely to get from a firm of lawyers at 6.30 thinking about their journey home. But some people are never satisfied. “Did you see?” complained another blonde in a white blouse as she edged towards the aisle. “There were creases in his trousers. He ought to iron them before he goes on stage.” Ah well, that’s celebrities for you. Close up, they crumple.

Holy trinity

Is there anyone closer to God, the Great Legislator, than Stuart Popham, the senior partner of Clifford Chance? Well it seemed more than happenstance that all the contenders were in America last week making their pitches at the same time. Mr Popham was guest speaker at a dinner for a symposium in Georgetown devoted to “forces likely to shape the global market for law firm services in the years to come”. Gordon Brown, son of the Kirk, was fancying his chances at the UN. Meanwhile, the Pope was rubbing shoulders with the President. Interesting to speculate what would happen if they all swapped jobs for a day.

Smith & Son

The appointment of David Willis as managing partner at Herbert Smith will give students of law firm management much to chew on. The move reflects a big change in the firm’s management structure as well as underlining that Herbert Smith is about much more than litigation. The appointment is coterminous with that of senior partner David Gold. They must now now make it, break it or even fake it together.

Going south?

Timing is everything. I just hope that Eversheds’ decision to open an office (by acquisition) in South Africa just as that country turns a blind eye to what is happening over the border in Zimbabwe is not too ominous a coincidence.

edward.fennell@yahoo.co.uk

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