Haven't a clue Darling


Obiter was somewhat disappointed at the attempts by the BBC - the world's leading public service broadcaster - to explain to its radio listeners the basic functions of the legal profession in the UK. As last Saturday illustrated, this task proved too much for Auntie and Jonathan Ross who carries out the Beeb's public service role - and reportedly scoops more than half a million quid a year to do it.



Mr Ross was joined on his weekly three-hour slot on Radio 2 by John Thompson, who plays the barrister character, Charlie Darling, in BBC Television's Manchester-set series New Street Law. Auntie's PR machine describes the programme as following 'the exploits, competitiveness and legal cases of two rival law firms of barristers [sic] that both have very different attitudes to justice'. The Darling character himself is 'a chancer... but... very much an instinctive lawyer who, on occasion, does bend the rules'. Again, quoting the show's marketing bumf, Mr Thompson says: 'I'm not too much like him but, funnily enough, my solicitor said that I was very good as a lawyer - and if ever I wanted a job, I should give him a call!' Presumably, that solicitor is spitting tacks after last Saturday when Mr Ross put this rather simple question to the actor: 'So then, just what is the difference between solicitors and barristers?' The gist of the reply was this helpful answer: 'Well, clients go to a solicitor's chambers [sic] to help them find a suitable barrister for their case.' Continued Mr Ross: 'Ah, you mean solicitors sort of act as agents for barristers?' 'Er, yes, that's it,' replied the actor, who has clearly not taken a Stanislavskian approach to his role.