COST OF LEARNING The Solicitors Pro-Bono Group is holding a conference at the Law Society on 17 March.

The cost of attending ranges between 50 and 150 depending upon your legal status.We are now expected to carry out work for free.

I have no problem with that concept if it is kept within reasonable bounds.

But to have to pay for the privilege of learning - this is surely some mistake.

Someone, somewhere needs to approach this subject with a fresh mind.

Richard Meere, Enoch Evans, Walsall

Susan Bucknall, director of the Solicitors Pro Bono Group, replies:The group is a charity and dependent for its funding on membership fees from students and trainee solicitors right through to partners in the largest firms, together with a grant from the Law Society Charity.Surely it would be a mistake to use this money to provide a free conference.

Indeed, as a charity, although we are not expected to make a profit from the conference, we are duty bound not to make a loss and could not afford to do so.

The cost has been kept far lower than for the majority of conferences thanks to the support of the Law Society, firms of solicitors, and other sponsors.

It is excellent value for money as it brings together most of the leaders in the pro bono field.Anyone looking at the programme for the day will see the wealth of experience present.

Those who attend the conference will be able to learn from the workshops and take away informative, delegate packs as well as enjoy the splendid setting and facilities provided by the Law Society.

Nobody is obliged to do pro bono work.

This conference is for the many who want to and want to do it well.

We would not want to turn away anyone who wanted to attend but could not afford to do so.It is for this reason that several major firms have agreed to sponsor free places for students.

Their fee of 50 will be met together with travel costs up to 50, so financial restrictions should not prevent attendance.