Partners in the big City law firms might have enjoyed bumper profits over the last decade, but at what expense? Evidence that life was altogether more civilised in the past is provided by a quick glance at the CV of Francis Neate, who has just taken up the reins as president of the International Bar Association. In 1972, Mr Neate became a partner at magic circle firm Slaughter and May, which regularly comes out top in the annual financial league tables. Nothing out of the ordinary about that, of course, until you realise that he was also captain of minor counties cricket side Berkshire between 1971 and 1975. Bring back the good old days.