Remember 'Chance, Clifford Chance' – the magic circle firm's West Coast advertising slogan, designed as an 'amusing' take on James Bond? Well now it seems the firm has become increasingly jealous of its right to James Bond spoof material.

The firm used to sponsor Rowan Atkinson's Aston Martin Zagato in charity races in which the actor took part, but has now stopped its funding. Could it be any coincidence that Atkinson is starring in his very own James Bond spoof, Johnny English? How dare he steal Clifford Chance's jokes.