It is usually the time of year for festive work parties, with alcohol flowing and Christmas jumpers on full display. But such events, whether virtual or otherwise, are not appropriate this year in light of the ongoing pandemic, according to a survey of senior U.K. lawyers — a stance that has angered those in the minority.

Lawyers are having to rethink how they will celebrate in a year defined by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown which has caused salary cuts, redundancies and staff illness.