What's your poison?

For once, it was not growing stress that sent these lawyers to the bottle.

David Higgs (pictured near right), senior partner of West Midlands firm Higgs & Sons, celebrates the firm's 125th anniversary with the help of Black Country brewery Bathams, which has produced a limited edition ale, Higgs & Sons Black Country Best.

Mr Higgs is a fourth-generation descendant of the firm's founder, Joseph Higgs.

Meanwhile, London Trainee Solicitors Group executive members (above) Alexis Giles, Jenifer Swallow, Beth Wright and chairwoman Suzanne Valentine enjoyed a Hallowe'en party last week at The Hung, Drawn and Quartered pub near the Tower of London.

The trainees are drinking a special cocktail to mark the event - Partner's Blood.

Says it all, really.