Obiter's constant striving to be a useful source of information for lawyers reaches new heights this week.

This time we are looking in particular to help out those harassed City lawyers, faced as they are by all-nighters and absurd billings targets but whose culinary skills only extend to piercing a plastic film and setting the microwave to five minutes on full power.

We are indebted in this regard to Paul Roach, partner in Suffolk firm Roach & Co and a former chef, who writes in to suggest a cookery column with a possible legal angle, such as the favourite recipes of senior members of the profession.

'No doubt the Lord Chief Justice has a favourite recipe; perhaps Bavarian Meat Loaf or even Chicken Masala,' Mr Roach says.

To make the said meat loaf, finely chop two onions and mix with 400g of minced beef.

Add one teaspoon of mixed herbs, salt, pepper and a pinch of garlic salt.

Mix in one beaten egg and sufficient breadcrumbs to bind the mixture.

Put in a 400g bread tin and cover with foil.

Bake at gas mark 4/5 for 45 minutes.

Eat hot or, if arriving home at four in the morning after spending an exciting 24 hours doing due diligence, cold.