All magic on deckTo the Hispaniola, an elderly ship moored up at the Embankment in London, for Hammond Suddards Edge's corporate recovery department launch.

The spirit of impending commercial downturn - something all corporate recovery outfits savour - seemed to be the theme of the evening.

From the ship listing so badly that it seemed she might be sliding over a couple of times, to the 'now you see it now you don't' act of a roving magician, sent aboard to entertain.

Magic is in this year for law firm parties.

Next month, Reynolds Porter Chamberlain is hosting a do at the Magic Circle itself.

Obiter marvels that lawyers could be drawn to flaunt themselves by employing entertainers who create illusions and traps, and use sleight of hand; when multi-disciplinary partnerships eventually arrive, this is one profession to avoid, especially in the accounts department.