“Don't take this the wrong way but I hope I never see you again.†This is the valedictory that I have received many times from the tearfully grateful and the plain relieved. I don't suppose that architects, doctors, plumbers or roadside mechanics get quite the same expression of thanks. It all rather sums up the absolute nature of what we do: the moment that the jury returns with its verdict and the foreman is asked to “please standâ€Â, the whole room holds its breath. Whether prosecuting or defending, it is an incredibly tense, awful, unbearable moment. I used to be superstitious – writing the 'g' in my notebook and wondering whether I would by some miracle be putting an 'n' in front of it. Now I just close my notebook and pretend that it is not happening. I don't know what the judge feels about a verdict – perhaps the judge really is above it all – but I suspect that where it is possible to have formed a view there is the occasional tingle of nerves.
The decision to uphold national legislation restricting internet gambling to a national monopoly is not consistent with the ideals of a single market, says Paul Stanley NO
Firms should embrace the LDP model and recognise the benefits of bringing in non-lawyer professionals with the right skills and knowledge to manage a business, says Viv Williams
Housing advice at the Derby Community Legal Advice Centre should be available within a fortnight but with rising demand the wait is now up four weeks, says Jon Robins
