The whole story

I was intrigued by John Fisher's article about the litigation system in Britain (see [2001] Gazette, 14 June, 15).

As a litigation lawyer, he will know that the client invariably gives only his side of the story during that first meeting.

Generally, it is only when the opponent has had the chance to respond that the balanced view becomes clear.

That is when the lawyer's advice is best given and it is not surprising that it may change from the bullish view given (guardedly) at the outset by a pushy client insisting on knowing the percentage chances.

We have all had them.

As a businessman, Mr Fisher may well have been asked to look at commercial propositions, for example, the acquisition of another company.

No sensible businessman would make a snap decision based on information given solely by the vendor without making further enquiries and searches.

However, that appears to be what Mr Fisher expects his lawyers to do.

Alan Hamblett, Alan Hamblett & Co, Banbury