There are those who reckon that falling standards of dress and courtesy are key reasons for some of the problems the solicitors' profession has faced in recent years. So we can only commend Martin Coyne, managing partner of Manchester firm Ralli (the firm formerly known as Betesh Fox & Co before renaming itself last year after its address) for dressing up to the nines for this publicity shot.


Last month, the firm launched its Catch a Christmas Cab campaign to highlight the dangers of drink-driving in Greater Manchester, taking delivery of three new Hackney Carriages - branded with festive messages - designed to encourage city workers to think before they drive. The taxis are also operating this month, and are on call for Ralli staff and contacts at preferential rates, as well as members of the public, 24 hours a day. The initiative is part of the firm's new corporate social responsibility policy, and rumours that you need to be wearing a top hat to flag down one of the cabs have been firmly denied.