Robin Dunne suggests restricting legal practice course (LPC) places to those who have secured a training contract. One could also fix the pass mark so that the number of students who do pass accords with the number of trainees needed. However, a return to the days of such restriction is not desirable.

Intelligent students can, in a few minutes of online research, look at supply and demand and assess their chances. If they want to take the risk, even with A-level grades of CCC, a lower second-class degree from an ex-polytechnic and a total absence of social skills – let them. If they are brilliant and simply messed up earlier examinations, they will find some route in and their excellence will ‘out’.

In a free market economy, rationing places smacks of restrictive practice, something we competition lawyers abhor.

Difficult economic times come in cycles. I made 110 applications in the very early 1980s, despite having a pretty good CV. Nabarro took me on for which, even now, I am grateful. This was at a time when my school suggested law was a bad choice because there was such a shortage of jobs.

My older children have also experienced the fluctuations of the market. My older daughter made only about three applications before securing her current City training contract. In the 1930s only one of my great uncles made it as a solicitor. Three others tried and failed.

What would help would be more publicity for students showing numbers of training contracts awarded and perhaps a requirement that law schools give to each LPC (and GDL) student a compulsory Law Society sheet of information about current levels of recruitment. They could even break this down into types of firm and typical requirements of the student.

Law remains a very interesting career and competition ensures the public obtains the best candidates. This is how free markets work. To take on a debt of £20,000 to cover LPC fees/maintenance costs to enter a profession where, on last week's figures, some equity partners in the best firms have profits per partner of £1m a year a more, is chicken feed. However, all students need to sit down calmly and look at their own chances before taking the plunge. Good luck to them all.

Susan Singleton , principal, Singletons, Pinner, Middlesex