Teddy bear picnic

The profession's recruitment crisis took on a sharp focus this week when Obiter learned that one Liverpool law firm has started employing teddy bears.

'With legal aid rates the level they are,' said the firm, 'this is the only way we can make the work economic.

They're cheap and the clients feel at ease with them, although we fear the possible competition if employed bears are allowed to advise the public.' If only.

Actually, the partners and staff of Cuff Roberts took a full part in National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work Day recently as part of its effort to raise 5,000 in 2002 and 2003 for Claire House Children's Hospice.

We understand that staff also enjoyed milk and a lie-down in the afternoon, although a nasty fight broke out because too many people tried to get on the slide at the same time.

Pictured with the bears is the firm's charity committee, (from left) marketing manager Helen Thomson, partner Paul Smith, trainee Julie Simms, and secretary Elena Griffiths, who have already helped raise more than 3,250 this year.