What better way to unwind from a day of intense discussions about dispute resolution than to enjoy some favourite tunes over a glass of something fizzy. Unwind? London's Scala venue was rocking until the small hours this morning as six bands of lawyers put on a rousing London International Disputes Week show.

For those new to the scene, Law Rocks!, founded in London 16 years ago, is a battle of the bands competition which turns every lawyer's dream of rock stardom into a good cause. It has played in 31 cities around the world, raising more than $10 million for local charities: last night's event (kindly hosted by the Scala for no fee) will support access to justice. 

The competition rules are simple: play covers rather than inflict original material on the audiences - and Mustang Sally is banned. 

Opening last night were Law Rocks stalwarts The Stragglers from CMS Cameron McKenna. Since winning the very first Law Rocks! they have only become more polished, dealing perfectly with Everybody Wants to Rule the World and a particularly fine I am the Walrus. 

Next up, Reed Smith’s the Shreks Pistols. We didn't like to ask about the name, but enjoyed the very fancy dress and high-energy deliveriy of standards ranging from I’m a Believer to Live and Let Die.

For the next act, it was a very big night: Full Disclosure, from Atkin Chambers were playing their first ever gig. Not that the audience noticed: we were impressed that they remembered to don cowboy hats for 'Jolene'. The judges were, too, naming them the night's winners.  

Track Changes featured Law Rocks! regulars from Level, Mishcon de Reya, Astraea and Aon: they had the crowd singing along to Heart of Glass and a particularly rousing What's Going On. 

Eight-piece band The Disclaimers, from Bristows (plus a guest drummer from Fladgate), were up next, sporting indivudally sloganned disclaimer T-shirts. Their repertoire, included Sweet Dreams are Made of This, Call Me, Go Your Own Way and - a guaranteed singalong for audiences of a certain age: Teenage Dirtbag. 

Finally, another Law Rocks! past winner, Hot Whip from Trowers & Hamlins, who gave us Park Life and Saturday Night's All Right For Fighting among others. 

Look out Istanbul, Hong Kong and Toronto: Law Rocks! is coming to town soon. 

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International disputes week: London sets out its stall