Hammonds' role swap

A commercial solicitor and two barristers have spent the summer learning valuable lessons about how the other half live, through an unusual exchange programme.Katie Graham, a construction solicitor at Hammond Suddards Edge in London, swapped places with two junior barristers at 4 Pump Court in a bid to strengthen links between the two.

Rachel Ansell and Claire Packman joined Hammond's construction and engineering unit on secondment.Hammonds and 4 Pump Court plan further mini-pupillages for solicitors and secondments for barristers.

A programme of seminars and conferences, plus informal dinners, is also being planned.David Jones, head of the unit, said: 'The exchange programme has been designed to develop a greater understanding of each others' professions, the day-to-day working environment and the pressures we face.'Another aim was to strengthen the working relationship between his department and the chambers, which both specialise in the same area of law, Mr Jones added.Caroline McCombe, senior clerk at 4 Pump Court, said the experience had been a revelation to the two counsel involved.'Barristers are often shielded from the client pressures faced by solicitors, and this exchange programme will help in gaining a greater appreciation of that relationship,' she explained.Paula Rohan