Lawyer quits over ketchup stain row

A HIGHLY paid executive at a London city law firm has resigned after a public spat with his secretary over a pair of ketchup stained trousers.

Richard Phillips has quit his €225,500 post at Baker & McKenzie after being ridiculed for asking secretary Jenny Amner for €6 to cover a dry-cleaning bill.

The 36-year-old lawyer emailed Ms Amner demanding the money after she apparently spilled tomato ketchup on his suit during lunch.

Ms Amner was so outraged at the demand she sent a cutting reply pointing out Mr Phillips’ greater “financial need as a senior associate” than hers as “a mere secretary” and she sent a copy to all the staff at the commercial department.

A spokesperson for the firm said Mr Phillips had decided to leave the firm “long before” the email exchange. She said he had “long-standing plans to study” which had been finalised in March.

Ms Amner and Mr Phillips have been given leave from work until the email row blows over.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Both are on fully paid leave of absence with full approval and full support.”