If the UK remains a decade behind the US in innovations, then we have another seven long years to wait before we too can celebrate 'National Love Your Lawyer Day'.

Yes, such a thing has existed for almost three years now, with the next one celebrated on 7 November (the first Friday of the month).

Speaking to Obiter at the IBA conference in San Francisco, organiser Nader Anise - also founder of the American Lawyers Public Image Association - said it is 'a way to use the words love and lawyer in the same sentence'.

He maintained that in previous years, clients have sent their lawyers chocolates and flowers.

Mr Anise conceded that the celebrations are not always taken that seriously by the media, but he said it still got the message across.

He explained that he set up the association after a woman called him wanting to sue for emotional distress because a cereal packet had not included the promised toy.

He said he had at least been impressed that she knew the legal concept, so perhaps all the bad press US lawyers have received over the years has achieved something.