HEADLINE SEEKERS?

I note that the debate over solicitors carrying out pro bono work continues unabated.

For several years, I ran - virtually single-handed - a free legal advice scheme at a London east end legal advice centre.

This involved my going along on a Monday evening every week.

For part of this time, 1 also helped out at two other centres.

1 did not publicise this and did not seek public recognition in any way for it.

It was just something that both I and indeed many other solicitors did at similar centres all over the country.I really cannot understand the need for solicitors to have to publicise the fact that they are undertaking such work.

I find it particularly concerning when 1 read the letter from the chairwoman of the Young Solicitors Group (see [2002] Gazette, 24 January, 17) who speaks of young solicitors giving up their free time.

Many of them, it seems, work for large commercial firms which do work alien to the sort of advice sought by those who attend the sessions at which they provide their advice.

Furthermore, they usually work on a rota system, which only involves them attending perhaps once a month, if that.Their firms ferry them to these sessions from their ivory towers in the City by taxi and they are then collected by taxi afterwards.

Yes, I am sure their efforts are appreciated.

But why do they need so much publicity? Martin Michaels, principal, Michaels & Co Solicitors, Ilford, Essex