WHINGERS ON THE WEB

The more hard-headed lawyers contend that the brouhaha over long hours is just a matter of younger assistants being whingers, unable to cope with the slightest pressure.

Evidence for this - or perhaps for the assertion that it is this kind of insensitivity that causes the problem in the first place - comes from an entertaining US Web site (www.greedyassociates.com).

The site allows associates to whinge to each other endlessly and anonymously, and also answer questions from those wanting to find out more about their firms.

Take this recent entry about a couple of law firms in New Jersey: 'Both firms will sweat you on hours, and make your life miserable.

In other words, they treat you just like any other slave.

In fact you are that, a slave to the partners' profits, and the billable hour.

You will have no time for yourself, or any of your loved ones.

In fact, if you are already married, I predict you will be divorced within two years, because there are only so many times you can apologise for missing birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries.

Trust me from someone who has been there and done that.' Still, at least he now has a bit more time for himself.