The cookie has crumbled

Tulkinghorn knows and understands that journalists aren't really out for what they can get by way of corporate freebies, honestly, but even he was left shell-shocked by the latest gift handed out by Lovells.

To mark the unveiling of its Sino-global alliance with nine Chinese firms, the firm had journalists waiting with bated breath with the promise of a 'package' that contained 'goodies'. Thoughts of a box packed with fine teas, jade and silks abounded.

Imagine, then, the sound of jaws dropping across The Lawyer newsroom when an envelope arrived bearing a press release and two fortune cookies.

Tulkinghorn was instantly reminded of the following wise words: "He who allows his day to pass by without practising generosity is like a blacksmith's bellows - he breathes, but does not live."