Angie, a partner in a law firm, is very passionate about her job and is known to argue her clients' cases very vigorously . One recent case on behalf of a client of the firm was quite acrimonious . In court, the verbal argument between Angie and the opposing lawyer, Zac, was heated . One day in court, an assault occurred: when Zac tried to take documents away from Angie, without her permission, Angie fought to hold onto the documents, scratching Zac in the process and then slapping him in the face when the incident was over . The slap amounted to the tort of battery by Angie against Zac .

Zac is seeking considerable damages (compensation) for Angie's tortious actions . Since Angie has high personal debts and little disposable income, Zac is suing Angie's partners in the law firm, arguing they are liable for Angie's conduct .

Is Zac likely to succeed in this action? (See Flynn v Robin Thompson & Partners and Wallen, The Times, 14 March 2000 .)