Nasty surprises when it comes to billing and law firms promising the earth - but delivering a one-size-fits-all service once the contract is in the bag - were among the predictable responses when delegates at last week's European general counsel powwow in London were asked what they dislike most about their external legal advisers.

More demanding still is Sabine Chalmers, chief legal officer at the world's biggest brewer, InBev, who said she just hated it when she was out with a certain law firm and they spurned the opportunity to drink Stella Artois. It was particularly galling, she confessed, if they instead opted for the wines and spirits that she sold in her previous job with Diageo.


You have been warned.