The letter from Kat Gibson, chair of the Junior Lawyers Division, concerning newly qualified solicitors appearing in court interested me (see [2008] Gazette, 18 September, 9). In the old days we were not given any training in this field. However, for my sins, I was asked to do a trial on the very day I was admitted in April 1976.

It was, admittedly, a no-hoper, with the individual quite properly found guilty, but it did stand me in good stead for my future court appearances.

However, I do believe that adequate training is very important if clients are to be represented in an efficient manner and I commend Ms Gibson’s views.

Tim Hawkins, Doncaster