After a week of watching the stock market’s rollercoaster ride, the opportunity to relax over a nice lunch, a few drinks and plenty of laughs was heartily embraced by the event’s 100-plus guests.

As MC, Spencer didn’t wait long to take a few lighthearted digs at the perceived ego of the legal profession, asking “What’s the difference between a senior partner and God?” The answer? “God doesn’t think he’s a senior partner.”

The special guest for the event was Victorian Supreme Court Justice Lex Lasry. An eloquent speaker, Lasry took the opportunity to warn the audience that in turbulent times the rule of law can often come under threat. He urged the profession to engage in public debate and ensure that shortsighted actions were not taken at the expense of justice.

For details and photos from Lawyers Weekly’s Last Laugh Luncheon, sponsored for the second year running by Middletons, see page 10.