I commend Nicki Barraball's campaign for the promotion of equality and recognition within the legal profession (see [2003] Gazette, 24 July, 16).

I agree that the work conducted by legal executives is of a high standard and equal to that of a qualified solicitor.

But, Ms Barraball fails to recognise the importance and the quality of the work conducted by paralegals.

It would seem contrary to a policy of promoting fairness and equality within the profession that Ms Barraball includes the paralegal and a dogsbody in the same sentence.

Many of those working as paralegals have passed the legal practice course, the majority at their own cost.

Paralegal work is often specialised and many are conducting work of at least equal to that of a trainee solicitor and in some cases that of a qualified solicitor.

All this is done with little official recognition by the Law Society and without any protection as to training, supervision or minimum salaries.

Only when every element of the legal profession acknowledges the experience and qualities of the other elements can equality and fairness be achieved.

Gary Brankin, TSG Law Society Council member, Bleasdale & Co, Whitehaven, Cumbria