Jeff Zindani implies that trade unions are being ripped off by their lawyers (see [2004] Gazette, 12). On the contrary, we have no problem in extracting maximum value from our lawyers.


Trade unions are being incredibly innovative in getting high quality legal services at low cost, and in some cases at no cost, as part of an overall legal package. To suggest that we lack influence with our law firms, or indeed that our lawyers lack affinity with our members, is wrong.


The Clementi review is relevant to trade unions because the regulatory proposals could affect the way we provide legal services and how we refer our legal work. The unions are still the biggest litigators in the UK and as such provide a model for legal services that the Clementi review should consider.


Any regulatory framework should involve unions as no other organisations are as representative of so many and so experienced in the field. Clementi also provides an opportunity to regulate the claims farmers who prey on our members.


Many unions have carefully considered the pros and cons of running their own law firms and have made an informed choice that it is not the best option for them.


A far more pressing legal services issue for trade unions, is the question of what is going on elsewhere and in government that could damage the unions' abilities to refer members who have been injured to specialist law firms.


The Better Regulation Task Force, for example, appears to have played right into the insurers' agenda by suggesting that the small claims limit in personal injury cases be raised.


Any moves to reduce the ability of successful claimants to recover their legal costs will substantially remove access to justice on the part of working people and will undermine the effectiveness of union legal schemes (including for areas where costs are not recoverable).


Mr Zindani would do better to focus on the unions' (and their law firms') campaign to prevent this happening than to worry about whether the unions are cutting the best deals with their lawyers.



Georgina Hirsch, director of legal services, Amicus, London