LETTER:Verdicts on the legal profession

From Ms Nicola Jayne Enston

Sir: It is admirable that certain eminent barristers are prepared to undertake work for no fee in response to Tony Blair's plea for lawyers to improve citizens' access to justice. Unfortunately, legal aid is scarce and it is likely to become something of a rarity if the proposals contained in the Green Paper Legal Aid - Targeting Need are implemented.

Nevertheless, it is unfair to expect lawyers to resolve the problems of inadequate government funding, by urging them freely to donate their professional services. It should not be forgotten that many experienced and inexperienced barristers already undertake pro bono work on a regular basis throughout organisations such as the Free Representation Unit.

It is time that misconceptions about lawyers being affluent, extravagant and selfish were corrected, when the reality is somewhat different.

It will be interesting to see if doctors and surgeons are approached in the same way and asked to treat patients on a pro bono basis to improve access to health care.

Yours sincerely,

Nicola Jayne Enston

Colwyn Bay, Clwyd