I have just read last week's front page article, 'City litigators dismiss "liability crisis" claim'. It brought to mind the recent case of Office of Fair Trading v Abbey National PLC and others.


In that one case, where the various financial institutions effectively sang from the same hymn sheet (as one might have expected), no fewer than eight firms of city solicitors were employed, and 25 advocates were instructed.



As a sole principal with higher rights of audience, it gives me no pleasure to say that the main problem with litigation in this country is the exorbitant cost arising from lawyers' expectations with regard to lifestyle. It is somewhat surprising that so many shareholders and executives - who we presume to have a robust business acumen - still find themselves seduced by the age-old deference that our profession has successfully nurtured.



The sacred hourly rate has had its day in the publicly funded arena. The sooner private clients - commercial or otherwise - follow this lead, the better for society generally and competent lawyers in particular.



Terry Ballard, Eastbourne