Solicitors are notably risk averse and can be relied on, in Obiter’s long experience, to spot a dozen dire threats where others see only tranquility. And yet just last week this column witnessed a roomful of the profession’s finest demonstrate unblinking insouciance in the face of near certain incineration. The occasion was a drinks and canapés party thrown by City immigration firm Laura Devine. The conversation was flowing, as of course was the wine, when the fire alarm began its manic clattering. Utterly unperturbed, the assembled lawyers merely talked louder. Nobody raced for the exit. No hand trembled as glass was raised to lips. No one looked queasily at the kebabs, imagining himself grilled to perfection. Unhurriedly, the tallest member of the group reached up and managed to deactivate the bell. It was a scene redolent of Empire and the values we British hold dear: an instinctive refusal to do what we are told to do, even when things are hotting up. Good job there was no actual fire, mind.