Solicitors working on London's bid to host the 2012 Olympics are expressing optimism that their hard work will pay off after International Olympic Committee (IOC) inspectors praised the campaign.

The London bid team, which includes former Clifford Chance solicitor Charlie Wijeratna heading the bid's commercial arm, has been up against Madrid, Moscow, New York and Paris in the final leg of the battle.


City firms Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Ashurst have been advising the campaign on issues including planning, IT, marketing, and employment.


Cherie Booth QC, the prime minister's wife and an ambassador for London 2012, took part in a presentation to the IOC inspectors on the legal aspects of the bid.


Ms Booth had already urged the cultural community to back the bid. She said the Olympics were 'something that could reach out to every kid in London and say something positive to them.'


The evaluation commission, which concluded a four-day inspection at the weekend, said those involved had demonstrated 'hard work, preparation and passion'. The IOC will announce the winning city on 6 July.


BLP senior executive Ian Trehearne said lawyers involved in the project had a sense of excitement and achievement in helping to push the bid so far. 'Everyone is feeling very upbeat, despite reports that we have fewer votes than Paris'.