Poetic justiceThe journal of the Law Institute of Victoria in Australia was rather impressed by the bitter take on the famous opening monologue from the film 'Trainspotting' by an anonymous trainee solicitor, reproduced by Obiter last year (see [1999] Gazette, 2 September, 12).

The journal asked Australian lawyers to submit their own versions, and the one printed this month leads us to the conclusion that the trainee experience is not much different over there, even if young Australian lawyers are not quite as eloquent:What's that I hear you say?You want a life in law?Then come, step my wayLet's see what you have in store.First thing you should know'Get used to the dark'.You can see the light, but don't touchYou're not here for a lark.Then there's billable unitsYou have to record your timeFailing to make budget!You don't want that crime.'But the money's so good,' you sayWell, it works out at ten bucks an hour.When you think of it like thatThe image soon turns sour.Let's not start on the partners'Lords of their Manor'You'll soon find outYour existence doesn't matter.So there you have itIf you really want this rapBetter lose those illusionsAnd get ready for some crap.