Legal monk finds higher calling

US lawyer Anthony Vlatas is taking the idea of remote working to a new level by practising with leading US firm Covington & Burling from a monastery atop a hill in rural Pennsylvania.But according to the Legal Times in the US, living as a monk, praying at least twice a day and performing a liturgy most days does not stop him fitting in at least 30 hours of legal work a week, paid at $100 an hour, the pro rata equivalent of a seven-year associate.Mr Vlatas even helped out with the firm's work for George W Bush during the Florida recount saga, and all of a sudden his remote working seemed a good idea.

The appearance of a 6ft 7ins monk in Greek Orthodox garb might have caused distraction in the Republican war room, it was thought at the time.As he has yet to take vows, he can carry on working, but when that time comes, Mr Vlatas - who has clerked for a Supreme Court justice and almost played American football professionally - will have to make a decision.

'The question is where my first commitment lies,' he told the paper.

'My first commitment lies with God.'