Daily Diary

Frank talking for Francies

Posted 3/06/2008 by The Daily Diary

With current economic conditions combining the very worst aspects of the Great Depression, the Dark Ages and last days of Babylon (according to certain hyperbolic elements of the media, anyway) this might not be the best time to go job-hunting.

However, if you fancy a gig at Weil Gotshal & Manges (and who wouldn’t?) in London, applicants need only arm themselves with one secret but oh-so-simple weapon: a decent impersonation of City chief Mike Francies.

Inside sources were last week Weil-ing away The Diary’s precious few minutes in the office with tales of how even the newest recruits can riff proficiently on the famous Francies charm.

Simulation of the mid-market deal king is apparently the number-one post-work past-time for stressed flunkies – although some versions reportedly sound more like Frank Butcher than the iron-willed mandate-magnate himself.