LONDON (Reuters) - An email between a highly paid lawyer
and a secretary over a tomato ketchup stain has become the talk of legal circles
in London, leaving the sender distinctly red-faced.
Media reported with glee the tale of Richard Phillips who emailed the secretary to
ask her to pay a four pound dry-cleaning bill after she accidentally spilt tomato
ketchup on his trousers.
The secretary, who had just returned to work after her mother died, was so irate
she forwarded the email to several colleagues at the firm of Baker & McKenzie,
who in turn passed it on to others.
The emails quickly appeared on the Internet and in the press.
"Dear Jenny," the lawyer wrote, "I went to the dry-cleaners at lunch
and they said it would cost four pounds to remove the ketchup stains. If you could
let me have the cash today that would be much appreciated."
Secretary Jenny Amner replied: "With reference to the email, I must apologise
for not getting back to you straight away but due to my mother's sudden illness,
death and funeral I have had more pressing issues than your four pounds.
"Obviously your financial need as a senior associate is greater than mine as
a mere secretary."
Colleagues had offered to hold a collection to cover the bill but Amner paid it herself.
The law firm were not impressed.
"I can confirm we are aware of the incident," a spokeswoman said. "This
is a private matter between two members of staff that clearly got out of hand. We
are investigating."
Newspapers also printed several emails sent to Phillips in response. One investment
banker said he was deeply saddened to hear about the ketchup stain tragedy while
another suggested he emigrate.
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