Virtual lawyers plug into fan clubIt's a tough life being a virtual lawyer: that's the experience of the seven who make up the workforce of Freelawyer.co.uk, an advice and referral site.

The site was launched last year with photographs of models including employment specialist Tanya, above (although the first group of models were rejected as being toogood-looking to be lawyers) and carefully chosen names to make it more user-friendly.

Fiona the motoring specialist, for example, is the firm's 'ladette...

takes corners fast and loves to brake (sic) the limits'.

But the public is having problems differentiating these supposed lawyers from the advice they receive via the site from real solicitors in real law firms.

The various characters, and especially senior partner Mary, have begun receiving amorous e-mails, such as 'How old are you, what time do you finish work and are you seeing anyone?'.

As a result the company has rewritten its 'About Us' page to make it clear that the front page is only a representation.

But here's one other interesting thing: in a straw poll, users liked Robin the family lawyer ('he loves children and appreciates his feminine side') more than 'round and cheeky' Lee and 'solid and stocky' Matt; 'caring and sensitive' Maya the personal injury lawyer ('appreciates the hurt and pain of broken hearts and legs') was the most popular woman.

Which just goes to show that it always pays to care.