Nothing that Schwartz did was more repugnant to others than a habit he developed that nearly everyone who knew him well mentions sooner or later. Schwartz would often take a paper clip, unwind it, and repeatedly jab a sharp end of the clip into his ear. He might do this at any time and on any occasion -- while on the telephone, while meeting with other lawyers, even with clients. Some Cravath lawyers say they all but begged him to stop, but he brushed their concerns aside, saying the paper clips were harmless and he'd be careful. One day when [Cravath lawyers] were in Schwartz's office, Schwartz became agitated as he discussed a pending negotiation. As he talked, he jabbed with increasing ferocity. Inevitably, the paper clip pierced his ear, drawing blood which ran down his neck and stained his shirt.

https://blogs.wsj.com/law/2006/03/07/law-blog-flashback-the-1992-death-of-cravath-partner-david-schwartz/

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=4085075&forum_id=2#36871124)