Reading the latest article describing the huge number of firms in the ARP my immediate reaction was one of sympathy. Last year, to my huge shock, I found myself in the ARP. I have moved on and life is good, but at the time it was a dreadful feeling. People I spoke to at the Law Society and related organisations were very kind and deeply sympathetic, but the feeling inside me was indescribably horrible and the turmoil caused to my life was huge.

Looking at that headline and thinking of all those solicitors feeling as I did, I consider that a peer-to-peer support group with a web forum could be a swift and inexpensive piece of real help that the Law Society could now give to unfortunate members who find themselves in this situation. To speak to, or email, someone else who knows how it feels, and is either going through it now, or has been through it and survived, could be a real boost at a bad time.

Can I suggest that the Law Society sets up such a forum immediately?

It would be a qualitatively different experience from talking to someone who – however sympathetic and well meaning still has their job and income and has not experienced this assault on their personal and professional life.

Sharing feelings and ideas for survival is very empowering. Shared experience is not embarrassing.

Tamsin Morris