There are some things that money can't buy, and near the top of that list is experience. For all the eagerness and stamina that come with youth, nothing can match the wisdom gained through years of practical experience. So why then do law firms continue to waste so much senior talent? Our lead feature this week saw some well-known corporate veterans on both sides of the Atlantic share the benefits of their experience and explain why, in an ageing population, firms need to keep a few grey hairs on board. A related comment by deputy editor Charlotte Edmond offers some more thoughts on the issue.

Here are some of the other highlights from Legal Week over the last five days:

  • If firms are looking for a prime example of how older partners can still play an active role, there is no better example than Wall Street legend Marty Lipton, who this week shared his thoughts about his legal career, the dangers of mega-firms and poison pills.
  • If other partners are keen to escape to a golf course at the age of 50, they have a good excuse. New research from Legal Week this week found that 80% of senior lawyers believe their mental or physical health is being damaged by the long hours they work, with many arguing that their firms are not doing enough to help lawyers avoid burning out.
  • News of the European Commission's desire to take on Google may be bad news for the internet giant, but it's good news for advisers, with a handful of firms including two magic circle outfits winning roles on the matter.
  • Elsewhere, Baker & McKenzie became the first international firm to seal a joint operation agreement in China, allowing it to work with a local firm to provide Chinese law advice.
  • Meanwhile, banks are topping the list of in-house legal recruiters over the last quarter as regulatory crackdowns and better markets boost hiring.

Five more of the week's most-read stories you might have missed: