Your cosmopolitan and transatlantic Diary has always been well versed in the cultural differences that mark the distance between the UK and the US as more than just a geographical stretch of the Atlantic Ocean.

And such differences are often most notable at the UK arms of US law firms, when opposing cultures meet head-to-head. English partners joining a US firm in London may welcome the over-exuberant camaraderie and touchy-feely sentiments, but sometimes it can all get a bit too much for us stiff-upper-lipped Brits.

The Diary has learned that lawyers at one particular US firm's London arm regularly receive 'Reply All' emails sent from the States to the whole firm, detailing how Chuck in Chicago is sooooo delighted with Brad (who is literally sitting in the office next to him) for completing a $5m deal, correspondence that often continues until the UK partners' inboxes are packed full of missives from Sue-Ellen in the post room, Randy in the cafeteria and Billy-Bob in goodness knows where, all not wanting to miss out on their opportunity to join in the backslapping.