The Diary has discovered that not only are Hengeler Mueller partners the creme de la creme of the German legal scene, but, like royalty, they do not need to go to the loo.

We know this thanks to partner Hans-Juergen Hellwig's chairmanship of the session on professional duties. The vice president of the German Bar Association was so wrapped up in the debate about the conflicting rules international lawyers are exposed to, he risked infringing the basic human rights of the panelists to take a leak.

Indeed, about two hours into the session, Swiss panelist Hans Rudolf Steiner was so desperate for a break that he closed his own contribution to the debate by joking that the audience might appreciate a coffee break.

Hellwig laughed politely, through gritted teeth, and ploughed on regardless.

Indeed, he didn't even stop after three hours, continuing the debate well into the lunch break, by which time the other panelists were fidgeting in their seats nervously, desperate to get away.