The world would be a far less entertaining place without the likes of criminal law specialist solicitor Franklin Sinclair, currently given a platform to air his at times irreverent views as president of Manchester Law Society. In his column in the latest issue of the society's bulletin, Mr Sinclair is, for no stated reason (other than perhaps highlighting the perks of the job?), pictured driving one of the new Mercedes-Benz range at the launch of a central Manchester Mercedes showroom. He then goes on to explain why December is his least favourite month of the year. 'I believe my loathing stems from years as a criminal lawyer, listening to client after client with the same instructions: "Get me bail for Christmas." "But you're charged with two murders," comes the reply. "Yes, but I need to be out to help the wife over Christmas", which roughly translated means, "I will spend a week in the pub with my mates".' Mr Sinclair goes on to regale readers with his latest experiences on the rubber chicken circuit, and has some fun at the expense of those at the end of the M62 when describing Liverpool Law Society's annual dinner. 'During the course of an excellent dinner, I had to nip off the urinal. I noted that the word "Shanks" was on all the toilets; only in Liverpool would they name a toilet after a football manager.' He then describes, with a snigger, how after dinner, 'we were treated to the world's shortest video - "Liverpool, City of Culture"'. We look forward to reading what Liverpool Law Society president James Benson - who Obiter regulars will recall is not averse to a quip or two in his own musings - says in response to this terrible slight.