I applaud Larissa Hutson's view that the common professional examination (CPE) is in no way an equivalent to a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree (see [2006] Gazette, 1 June, 15).

It seems that the move towards equivalence between the CPE and the LLB is merely the most recent step in dumbing down the value of a degree in law - one that has followed such revelations as employers not liking trainees who see law as an academic exercise, and employers preferring graduates with experience outside the law.


Law, like every other university degree, is an academic exercise. The three years of hard graft that academic lawyers undertake is in no way comparable to the box-ticking facade of most humanity and social science bachelor subjects.


The CPE, while indeed being a tough course, is in no way as academic as the LLB. It is merely preparation for a new generation of robots to undertake the legal practice course and land an elusive training contract. We should be ashamed that Britain has found yet another way of celebrating academic mediocrity.


Simon Kenneally, trainee solicitor, Boston, Lincolnshire