b>Local Feeling


With reference to your lead article, 'Solicitors in national wildcat strike action' (see [2006] Gazette, 7 December, 1), it should not be thought that, because solicitors from Leeds were not present at the Criminal Defence Solicitors Union meeting, feelings are not running high in this city in relation to both the application of the new means test for legal aid and the changes which are proposed to come into effect following Lord Carter's proposals.



Meetings of local practitioners have been held in Leeds and whether it breaches contract regulation or not, the general feeling was that it would be inappropriate for firms - whether individually or collectively - to strike, certainly not at this stage. But that is not to say that other measures have been ruled out



Some firms want to wait to see what develops from the resolution being put before the Law Society's special general meeting on 17 January. One thing is certain, however. Matters cannot continue as they are, as otherwise the stage will be reached whereby defendants will find it hard to find representation in many areas of the country.



Anthony Sugaré, Sugaré & Co, Leeds