I was saddened and disappointed to read yet another disparaging article about criminal defence solicitors.

They are now apparently responsible for the problem of drugs within the country's prisons (see [2004] Gazette, 11 March, 5).

It was only a few weeks previous to this that criminal defence solicitors were responsible for the failure of the current policy in relation to domestic violence cases and the lack of successful prosecutions with regard to such cases.

I note that Bryan Hopwood of HM Prison Manchester does not quote a single example of a defence lawyer being duped into smuggling drugs.

It appears to be yet another issue in which defence solicitors are convenient scapegoats for problems faced by the government.

It is hardly surprising that there is a recruitment crisis in this area of the legal profession.

Like many other defence lawyers, I work long and anti-social hours, frequently dealing with vulnerable and marginalised people.

I consciously chose to follow this career path at a time when the majority of my university peers elected to seek careers in commercial law for far greater material rewards.

Nicola Gordelier, Dexter Montague & Partners, Reading