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The reality for some people is that they simply can not afford proper legal representation but are totally I'll equipped to represent themselves in court. There is a sensible middle ground however that doesn't involve fee charging unqualified loons and that involves the hundreds of people who graduate the bar each year with pupillage.

They're all desperately trying to build CVs to enhance their chances of getting pupillage next year. They're a damn sight better qualified at that stage than some random bod. They also need to earn a living.

Why can't there be an organisation where by these individuals can charge a more modest fee that people of lesser means might be able to afford as an alternative to LiP, and exclude those with no legal qualifications at all from charging.

If the report identifies the need for a McKensie friends type service then why not insist that the friends are partially trained at least!