I am interested in the approach of RA Jameson to the issue of women lawyers earning less than men - the justification being that once they have a home and family, they are no longer solely focused on the office and work (see [2006] Gazette, 16 March, 16). That change of focus is go0d and healthy. What is bad is being solely focused on office and work in the first place.

At LawCare, we find that 80% of our callers are suffering from stress/depression, and more than 75% of those who have an alcohol problem attribute its beginnings to being a coping mechanism for the stress they suffer at work. We hear of damaged relationships and marriages, and impaired mental and physical health because our clients have been trying to make work the focus of their lives and have found this approach has led to disaster.


It should not be regarded as wrong for any lawyer, male or female, to want to see their children grow up and to play a meaningful role in their lives - or to support a partner/spouse and sustain a successful and rewarding relationship?


The stops have to be pulled out from time to time if demanding work occurs, but a forward-thinking employer, who wants happy, healthy and thus effective staff, should be encouraging sensible hours and emphasising family without making lawyers feel guilty or that their careers will suffer.


Hilary Tilby, chief executive, LawCare, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex