A real need can be identified to rein back from our preoccupations with franchising and short to middle term firefighting.

The need exists if legal aid practices are to remain afloat and geared to sustain a quality service and a legitimate price in its delivery.However short term, perverse and even hand to mouth may seem government thinking in this area, we owe it to ourselves, our clients and the very integrity of our legal system to set our sights high and deliver from a position of principle.Having resolved to do so, we can realistically view present upheavals in the ways we practise as both a challenge and an opportunity.

Central to the very survival of legal aid is the process of taking the argument to the public and to the government.It is extremely heartening and potentially enabling that the understanding and furthering of media and parliamentary relations now enjoys a higher priority and profile.

Time devoted to these activities does not come cheap.

Real, concrete hope for the future of legal aid depends, however, on instilling and maintaining in the public at large a new respect and a truer understanding of what makes us tick as a profession.Malcolm Fowler.The whole question of the future of legal aid practice in its present form, and indeed at all, is open to discussion.The session will look at franchising, with consideration of the current position in relation to exclusivity and CTT, and the position of non-franchised firms - should they opt in or out of the system? The questions of exclusivity and compulsory competitive tendering will be explored, addressing the question of whether franchised firms should be pressing for such developments.Of particular importance too is increased competition from outside agencies to provide legal services.

To what extent should this be encouraged? Should we be encouraging the concept of fundholding and if so do we agree with the 'gatekeeper principle'? Within this framework we shall also be considering the Law Society's position.

Is this the end of the Society as we know it?Lynda Ashworth.