Law Against Loneliness: 7 May

World Cup of Chambers

The phrase ‘What have we spawned?’ springs to mind.

There’s still time to vote in the final two ties of the quarter-finals. Only the quarter-finals, mark you – and yet here are a few of the tactics the competing chambers have resorted to in order to win votes.

1. Calling upon law firms

Is it cheating to spam law firms to ask for their votes? pic.twitter.com/P6qHrkaWb1

— Dan Neidle (@DanNeidle) May 6, 2020

2. Calling on children

Listen, I don’t use Twitter much but my mum says you should vote for 39 Essex chambers. I don’t know who they are but from the sounds of it they’re going to do so much for somebody. I don’t know who, but just vote goddamit! It’s the least you could do! https://t.co/J9mnZelkbP

— Joe Patten (@Motherjudgement) May 6, 2020

3. Calling upon God

You are ordered, on pain of excommunication, to vote for @PumpCourt https://t.co/TDNpDcI4zf

— @stpaulswesthackney (@stpaulswesthack) May 6, 2020

4. Weaponising animals

The @outertemple #LockdownPuppyTeam are building up their energy in hot anticipation for a tough match in the #WorldCupofChambers later today!@TheLawyermag https://t.co/wBc0eVnEtc pic.twitter.com/jF6nbCrRZL

— Outer Temple Chambers (@outertemple) May 6, 2020

Snowdrop the hamster asks you to vote for @39EssexChambers in @TheLawyermag #WorldCupofChambers quarter final – do it for the carrot treats! https://t.co/GNdTw1gQwp pic.twitter.com/sCEd4FQYUu

— David Sawtell (@drfsawtell) May 6, 2020

5. Memes

This is getting serious folks. We need all the votes we can get as our #worldcupofchambers 1/4 final enters the final phase https://t.co/dEIHkFymJv pic.twitter.com/gHD0pYrrk4

— Martin Davies (@counselsclerk) May 7, 2020

6. Whatever this is

In case you need help deciding to vote for @PumpCourt (see below), here's a video to help you decide! https://t.co/kngajavoPX pic.twitter.com/3UZXKtjAgN

— Nick Talbot (@CF_vs_Everest) May 7, 2020

7. Poetry

'if we're lucky it's just the Vogons come to throw us into space. If we're unlucky the captain might be serious in his threat that he's going to read us some of his poetry first' #HitchhikersGuide @39EssexChambers @TheLawyermag https://t.co/e7uHIJ0fFn

— Richard Harwood QC (@RichardHarwood2) May 6, 2020

Fair play to all eight quarter-finalists for entering into the spirit of things and getting so creative!

Video of the Day

A few days ago, a friend of Dentons associate Joshua Fox posted a video of him playing the piano with his baby son Leo. It has subsequently gone viral and was even featured on ITV’s Good Morning Britain earlier this week. Josh often plays the piano with Leo as he has always enjoyed music, and it’s been a great source of fun given the current lockdown.

My best friend’s baby having a music lesson. This is all I need right now ???? @JessieJ (posted with consent). #SundayMorning #SundayThoughts pic.twitter.com/DJMmGGtCDU

— Simon Brunner (@SimonBrunner1) May 3, 2020

Scottish dog of the Day

Mhairi Elliott, a legal development coordinator at Akin Gump, writes: “Attached is a picture of one of our neighbours enjoying some evening sunshine here in the Highlands (a safe distance is recommended at all times, not just during a pandemic).”

Singaporean Dog of the Day

This is Sandy the cockapoo, “who is enjoying having all the family at home all the time,” says Sapna Jhangiani QC, a partner in Clyde & Co‘s Singapore office. “Her favourite pastime is pretending that she is a guard dog. Unfortunately for her, she looks like a mix between Paddington the Bear and a soft cuddly toy, and no-one finds her remotely scary. This is a picture of her on full alert, about to engage in a barking battle with an unsuspecting passer-by and their dog. She does this with alarming frequency throughout the day, which can cause some embarrassment during conference calls. On the whole, however, she provides companionship and distraction which are most welcome during the lockdown!”

Yesterday’s quiz answers

Theme: Lawyer songs

1. Sam Smith
2. Plan B (Ben Drew)
3. Amy Winehouse
4. Clash (Joe Strummer)
5. Bobby McFerrin
6. Kanye West
7. Ian Dury
8. Morrissey
9. Marilyn Monroe
10. Elton John

The Lawyer Listens

South African producer Kid Fonque is one of the reference artists in the country, well-known for his label Stay True Sounds, which houses the best artists and up-and-coming producers in the diverse Soth African house and electronic music scene.

In love talks about a special type of love, that of music. The song we bring you is a remix by Thorne Miller, another South African producer, giving the tune a melodic, relaxing, Afrobeats sound. It’s perfect for the end of a long day with a sunset in the background. –Ana de Liz