The Diary enjoyed a Simpson Thacher spokesman's response to a damning report penned by a partner at New York 'rival' Coudert Brothers.

The report, written for a special committee of Global Crossing's board of directors, attacked Simpson Thacher's role as an adviser to Global Crossing in no uncertain terms.

Responding to an inquiry from The Wall Street Journal, a Simpson Thacher spokesman sniffed: "Other than professional jealousy, there is not a clear reason that would justify Coudert Brothers' issuing such a heavily critical report." Ouch!