With the current trauma in the legal world, the place to be last night was the annual Law Society dinner in Blackhall Place. Our top legal eagles, from AG David Byrne to Chief Justice Liam Hamilton, gathered at the invitation of the society's president Patrick O'Connor for what is undoubtedly one of the best political/legal social occasions of the year. The 180-strong guest list included leading lights from the host profession - the solicitors - the top people in the professional bodies and in those linked to the law, a selection from the bench, including the Supreme and High Courts and new judges from the lower courts, as well as politicians with a legal background. Guests are invited alone, i.e. without partners. Those on the list included Tanaiste Mary Harney, Minister of State Liz O'Donnell, DPP Eamon Barnes, Lord Mayor Joe Doyle, FG leader John Bruton, the new US and UK ambassadors Michael Sullivan and Ivor Roberts and Mr Justice Hugh O'Flaherty. The speakers were Patrick O'Connor, the Chief Justice and Mr Justice Michael Moriarty of Tribunal fame. The Minister for Justice John O'Donoghue was unavailable. While the O'Connor table was the most high-powered, the jolliest was that hosted by the director general of the Law Society Ken Murphy, because that's where the other politicians and the journalists were placed. Quidnunc anticipated much discussion of the Sheedy case, which has caused more angst in the profession than anything else to date. Indeed, during the week she heard certain senior figures, both inside and outside the law, say they felt it would be unwise for them to attend the dinner since they could be drawn into matters they would rather avoid. In general it is felt in the legal profession that they themselves must clear up any scandal. To leave it to the politicians, possibly by way of impeachment, would spell disaster for their untainted reputation.