It is the season to be hiring by all accounts, well at the top anyway. Whilst associates are still facing a tough recruitment market, lateral movements higher up the foodchain have stepped up a gear. A few examples from this week include: the exit from Freshfields of Maurice Allen and Mike Goetz, the high-profile banking partners recruited last year from White & Case , although it’s not clear where the ‘entrepreneurial’ pair are headed yet; Linklaters has hired star litigator Christa Band from Herbert Smith and Berwin Leighton Paisner has hired Teacher Stern sports and media litigator Graham Shear who has worked for a number of high profile sport and TV celebrity clients. Combined with the observation that the M&A market is showing signs of life and the stock markets recent rallying, can we start buying expensive coffee again without feeling extravagant?

Not sure about that one but as we’re on a more macro take, we noted the spotlight has also been shining on other high profile individuals that have moved successfully into new areas since leaving their former positions. Two contrasting examples this week are that famous lawyer Bill Clinton who, after successfully securing the release of two female journalists from North Korea, one commentator questioned: "was there any doubt, ever, that Bill Clinton would go to North Korea and come back with two women?" (ATL ). And then there is Vladimir Putin (former KGB guy and not a lawyer) who appears to be trying to move in on Arnie’s old patch (see pic above and the Times if that’s not enough for you).

Following up the cultural contrast, a recent U.S. study has shown that doing crossword puzzles, reading, and playing cards daily may delay the rapid memory decline that occurs if people develop dementia (Reuters ). So some of you may be tempted to squeeze one in between due diligence reports or preparing court bundles. On the other hand Russian soccer fans have been told to drink whisky on their trip to Wales for next month’s World Cup qualifier to ward off the H1N1 swine flu virus, the head of the country’s supporter association said Monday (Reuters ). Other may wish to do that instead.

Finally, the law gives way to humanity as Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs prepares for his formal release from prison after being granted freedom on compassionate grounds.

Enjoy the weekend.