“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
Fresh recruitment drives and further investment in technology are sure signs that South West firms are ready to come out of the downturn and tackle the Clementi reforms. Jean-Yves Gilg reports
