In a pub in Cobham (Surrey) recently, there was a group of solicitors, women, some young some 'middle-aged' and an older man (Senior partner) having lunch at the table next to us. They began to gossip about other colleagues, for their firm and from others, and about 2 Judges- then started mentioning client cases, stating the names of the clients and making derogatory comments. We could not believe our ears.
As it happens, we don't live locally, so none of the names meant anything to us- but they could not know that. I do regret not getting up and going over and having a definite 'quiet word' in the ear, and ask the name of their firm so I could avoid it if ever. So incredibly unprofessional. They said hello to us as they came in, so were fully aware of our presence.