Have a coffee on meSome lawyers still do not get the hang of mediation, if a recent story in the Miami Herald is anything to go by.

Attorney Arnold Levine - who is apparently known for his in-your-face style that some clearly take literally - has sued opposing counsel Jonathan Alpert, who he claims threw a cup of coffee in his face during a mediation session.

Mr Levine said the caffeine assault was without provocation.

'It had cream.

I don't know if it had sugar,' he went on with admirable attention to detail.

Mr Alpert said theallegation is not accurate and called the lawsuit 'a stunt'.

The mediation was over an odd case anyway.

Mr Alpert is acting for season ticket holders for the American football team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who claim they were shortchanged by the team's performances.

Mr Levine, on behalf of theBuccaneers, countersued for defamation, saying the original claim sullied the team's good name.

As a season ticket holder at Luton Town, Obiter is watching the outcome with interest...