I agree with JM McKean that a contributory factor to the difficulty of hiring 'good people' for wills and probate work may be the demise of this area as a core subject of the legal practice course, but I believe the problem to be much more deep-rooted (see [2005] Gazette, 1 December, 16).

There is little incentive for lawyers to choose to qualify into this area, because of the common misconception that it is less glamorous and rewarding in comparison, perhaps, to our commercial counterparts. And of course the rates of pay are much lower.


This is a highly complex and specialised area of law, and this must be recognised for things to change. The 'good' people should be remunerated properly, which may then encourage existing lawyers to remain practising in the field in addition to attracting in new lawyers.


While in my firm we are a large and successful department, there may be a perception in many firms that private client work is secondary to the commercial side and is even, in some cases, seen as a 'service department' to the firm's commercial clients.


Properly managed, private client work can be very profitable. Part of the problem is ensuring that high-quality young lawyers are being offered the kind of remuneration that is consistent with the quality of work and the level of expertise required.


Stephanie Rose, Clifton Ingram, Wokingham, Berkshire