Boosted by pro bono

In the early 1960s, I was employed by a major City firm and specialised in company law.

To salve my conscience, I offered to work in the evening for the Marylebone Citizens' Advice Bureau, which was run by a fearsome ex-major in the Women's Royal Army Corps.

She said: 'What use are you to us? What do you know about the Rent Acts? What we need are good secretaries.' I produced two, one of whom I later married; the other has remained an excellent friend.

My shortcomings were overlooked.

Pro bono work can be very satisfying.

JW Jeffrey, Godalming, Surrey