Positive position

Like Colin Storey [2000] Gazette, 22 June, 16) I changed career to become a solicitor, starting at age 45, but my experiences are very different.

I attended a two-year, full-time accelerated LLB at the University of Hertfordshire, graduating in 1997.During those two years, I used my evenings, weekends and other spare time to earn enough to pay the mortgage and support my family.

After graduation, I stayed at the university, taking the part-time LPC while working for an east London solicitors' firm which recognised that I could make a contribution despite my age.

I had the honour to qualify as a solicitor in April 2000 and now work for a central London practice.Prior to starting my degree, I had built a will-writing and financial services business, so I knew I only had to find the right firm which would utilise my experience in these areas and which wanted my sales and marketing skills.

If I had nothing more than a law degree and a desire to be a lawyer, I would never have started, as I know that I would never have obtained a training contract.I have no doubt that I was lucky.

The firm recognised my abilities and encouraged me to learn new skills.

It accepted that I was a trainee but treated me like an adult.

I still did trainee work, delivering papers, issuing writs and sitting behind counsel; I even made the tea on one occasion.

But I was never abused or harassed and only worked long hours when the work required it.Maybe Mr Storey started with the misconception that he had the right to become a solicitor, or maybe he did not understand that ageism is still a part of the workplace, legal or otherwise.

I feel sorry for his misfortune, but I would still encourage the more mature to enter the profession - provided that they have something positive to offer.

Simon Shaffer, Cumberland Ellis Peirs, London