The debate concerning age discrimination is set to continue. Might I suggest that newly qualified solicitors who are of mature years stop whingeing and show prospective employers how they can increase profit margins.

In this current climate, almost all managing partners are interested in one thing and one thing only – to stay in business and make a profit. The age, sex, colour and creed of the prospective employee is totally irrelevant.

I qualified as a solicitor at the age of 53. Training contracts were difficult to obtain but I convinced prospective employers that I could make their firms money. I was innovative, in that I found an area of law which was relatively untapped. I could sell myself to the media and therefore sell the firm.

I have not looked back and I would urge all mature newly qualifieds to market themselves, be media friendly, find an area of law which is untapped and sell your abilities to firms, convincing them with a good business plan how you can make money.

So don’t whinge – stand out from the crowd, make a difference and be positive. That makes the difference between success and failure.

Ros Fernihough, Edmunds & Co, Walsall