While a cutting exchange of words between rivals may occasionally be de rigueur at a law firm party, actual fisticuffs are rare. Obiter was alarmed, therefore – while serenely quaffing a refreshing champagne and raspberry cocktail at the Savoy hotel last week (home to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s Olympics media reception) – to find two fellows draw actual swords and begin lunging at each other as the guests looked on. They were, of course, members of the Olympic fencing team, one of whom – Alex O’Connell – is soon to be a trainee at the magic circle firm. But unfortunately for those Freshfields lawyers advising on the Games, not all aspects of the competition are quite so exciting. One of the partners was careful to give special thanks to one of his team, Nicky, who had secured a contract for 10,000 portable lavatories.