Local groups of legal rockers and two sets by old regulars at the lawyers' battle of the bands provided a suitable climax to the entertainment around the International Bar Association's annual conference on Thursday night. 

First on were youthful local act Presuntos Culpables Guilty People with a tight set list ranging from Heart of Glass to We Will Rock You. Then, on particularly fine form, were IBA phenomenon Seven Seas: a bunch of members of the IBA Maritime and Transport Law Committee who meet up once a year for a quick rehearsal and a gig. Two of them could not even make the sound check as they were speaking at IBA sessions that day, but had the joint jumping with Proud Mary.

However as far as much of the home crowd was concerned, the highlight of the evening was Bajo Fianza (Out on Bail), a group of Mexico City criminal lawyers showing outstanding vocals and guitar work on classics ranging from More Than Words Can Say to a particularly soulful Back to Black. 

For Obiter, special treat was the return of the Dirty Sherlocks (pictured)  - the duo of solicitors Neil Ziatabari on guitar and vocals and Niall Trainor on cello. They had the daunting task of following the local favourites, but had the crowd singing along with a repertoire ranging from Bowie to Oasis. 

The winner? Had to be Bajo Fianza, who came on with an encore of Back to Black. 

Law Rocks!, founded 15 years ago by Britons Nick Child and Damian Hickman, has now raised an astonishing $8.5 million for good causes. Last night's beneficiary was pro bono legal advice charity Appleseed México and the IBA Human Rights Institute. 

 

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