Angus Andrew, chairman of the Law Society's representation board, had obviously done some snooping before introducing the panel at the session on the future of legal aid at the Law Society Annual Conference.

Presenting Legal Services Commission chief executive and footie fan Clare Dodgson, Mr Andrew suggested that her favourite hobby would stand her in good stead.

'Clare is a Sunderland supporter, so she's used to being disappointed,' he quipped.

Meanwhile Godfrey Freeman, partner at Liverpool firm Morecroft Urquhart, was clearly regretting telling Mr Andrew he was looking forward to watching the six-week Rugby World Cup, soon to kick off in Australia.

'Legal aid must be more profitable in Liverpool than it is in London,' Mr Andrew said.

However, Mr Freeman was quick to set the record straight that he would not be jetting off to Oz.

'As a legal aid lawyer, the only way I will be able to afford to watch the rugby is on videotape when I get home at midnight,' he sighed.