As you correctly reported, solicitors welcome any system that will allow them to demonstrate that they can compete on equal terms with barristers (see [2008] Gazette,18 December, 1). The quality assurance scheme ‘should’ do that. But will it?

Peer review of solicitors has not inspired confidence in the ability of agencies to measure truly or consistently the standard of work conducted. Testing advocacy skills is not likely to prove any easier. In an arena where solicitors’ preparation costs are being continually driven down, there is already a growing concern that it is simply impossible to retain the high levels of quality case preparation that existed in the era before litigators’ fees. Still on the Legal Services Commission agenda is ‘one case, one fee’ which, if introduced, would inevitably lead to a further reduction in resources for proper preparation and presentation of a case.

While we seek ‘quality assurance’, all parties need to consider how standards can truly be safeguarded.

Raymond Shaw President, London Courts Criminal Solicitors Association; Shaw Graham Kersh, London