In his article on the likely impact of the Clementi reforms (see [2005] Gazette, 30 June, 21), Adam Makepeace states that, 'many small firms are not able to reinvest in the business out of relatively meagre profits', and later that 'the future for legal aid is simultaneously frightening and exciting.'

I would add another perspective to Mr Makepeace's views. I am a trainee solicitor, scheduled to qualify this September. I chose to train with a criminal defence practice with a view to becoming a legal aid criminal solicitor on qualification. Throughout my two-year training contract, I always kept in mind that criminal lawyers are indeed trustees of the law and the principles of public order it embodies.


Every day criminal lawyers contribute to restore the cohesion of society - a challenging enterprise in these times in which our beliefs on the future of justice as a key political concept are tested to the extreme. Criminal law encompasses within its borders the whole sprawling drama of human life. I marvelled at the distinctive ways in which criminal law compels the judgements of moral life to be rephrased. Legal aid lawyers have a responsibility to lead the way in our society and play an active part in the campaign for justice.


Having made a commitment to become a legal aid solicitor, my current firm has sadly informed me that it will not be in a position to take on any newly-qualified solicitors in light of the overwhelming uncertainty facing criminal defence practices at the moment. Both partners at my firm have strongly advised me to find a position within a different area of law.


I have been fortunate enough to secure a job with another firm in its property and private client team. Now, a fully trained criminal lawyer, I will be leaving the legal aid arena for other horizons. I wonder how many other newly qualified solicitors will be making the same career choice this September or indeed within the next 12 months.


Name and address supplied