Slaughter and May’s ‘best friends’ network has long been known for its closeness, with members passing lucrative referral work to one another, sharing knowledge and training together, all the while fiercely maintaining slim partnerships and an independent outlook.

But in recent months, questions have been asked of the effectiveness of the network, that includes BonelliErede in Italy, Bredin Prat in France, Dutch outfit De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, Uría Menéndez in Spain, and German firm Hengeler Mueller.