There is no earthly reason why law firms should be compelled to undertake so-called diversity monitoring (see [2005] Gazette, 29 September, 1). It would be pure window dressing and bear no relationship to the quality of a firm, the advice it gives to clients or the meritocratic and colour-blind way in which it recruits and retains staff.

Moreover, it would be a regulatory burden that many of the smaller firms could ill-afford.


It is also an unnecessary hurdle that public authorities are putting in the way of firms bidding for contracts in the provision of legal and other services. This hurdle may prove costly to the taxpayer.


Perhaps it is time for all common-sense people to oppose the politically correct initiatives that in the early 21st century are coming from public bodies, including the Legal Services Consultative Panel.


John Midgley, Comptons, London