Much as we love clients, they're not always obvious contenders for the next series of Mastermind. Obiter was reminded of this at a recent RAC-hosted lunch at London's celebrity haunt, The Ivy, while chatting to the RAC's head of legal services, Jonathan Gulliford. As many motoring readers may be aware, the RAC has for years advised its members on the legal aspects of motor claims - though it is waiting for a certain Mr Clementi to give the green light before it starts advising on anything else. For clients, though, the limitations of the current legal service can, it seems, be difficult to grasp.


In one particular incident, the client in question called the legal helpline to explain that he wanted to divorce his wife, on grounds of adultery.


'I am sorry, sir,' the RAC solicitor replied, 'but we only give legal advice in relation to motoring matters.' 'Oh,' said the client, audibly dis-appointed. 'Does it count if the adultery took place in a motor vehicle?'



No matter where lawyers go or how hard they try to dispel the fat-cat image, they're fighting a losing battle. As the International Bar Association gathered for its annual conference this week in Auckland, the local press duly obliged with coverage. To be fair, The New Zealand Herald was mostly complimentary. However, it couldn't resist resorting to the usual clichés, such as a headline that read 'Legal eagles fly to bar assembly'. And IBA leaders must have groaned with resignation as they read the angle the newspaper took in its run-up story to the conference: 'Auckland can expect a [NZ]$15 million boost with rich lawyers in town.'


Indeed, the story went on to say that 'an impact report on last year's Fashion Week showed it was worth [NZ]$23.2 million to the economy... International buyers and media spent an average of $2,600 each. By comparison, the lawyers and their partners are expected to spend $5,400 each.' A good news story, after a fashion.