According to a recent 'Conduct and Service' column (see [2005] Gazette, 1 September, 28), it appears that if I agree to help a client out of the kindness of my heart and without payment (still called 'pro bono', although I thought we were not supposed to use Latin these days) and the thing does not go exactly as the client expects, then I may have to compensate the client.

As soon as I read the article, I thought that I would ask my plumber whether or not he was prepared to work for me on a similar basis. However, after a split second's consideration, I decided that for the sake of my health and well-being it would not be a sensible idea.


As I am approaching retirement, it probably does not matter a great deal but I shall be sitting back and watching the profession gradually sliding into bankruptcy.


Terry Procter, D'Angibau Willmot, Bournemouth