Keep your wig onA tiny patch of horsehair - or synthetic fibres - should not cause consternation in the legal profession.

But wigs, and where they fit into the changing world of advocacy, are a powerful symbol of an outmoded class distinction.It is ironic that in the 21st century a solicitor should be lobbying the Lord Chancellor to allow him and other High Court solicitor-advocates to wear 18th century garb.

But in the competitive legal marketplace a level playing field is crucial.But while keen to iron out some differences between the two sides of the legal profession - for example, over the issue of direct access - the Bar Council chairman is adamant that some distinctions must remain.But wigs are only crucial because the arcane iconography of our courtrooms makes them so.

Uninitiated clients might easily assume that the fully wigged and gowned barrister is more senior, more professional, and just better than the poor lawyer on the other side who is not allowed to wear the advocate's crown of honour.That is not fair to solicitors; but, more importantly, it is not fair to their clients.