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On a separate note, from what I see firms with own-client contracts but no duty contract don't have a chance of surviving in any event unless they resort to humiliating marketing tactics to get noticed. So, what will it be? Leafleting police stations asking suspects to ditch the kind solicitor who advised them so well in custody and instruct a firm they've never instructed before? Backroom deals being made with dodgy PCs to put in a good word for non-duty firms? Begging to duty-contracted firms for scraps? It's all so degrading and I know no firm wants to be forced into such methods but how on earth will simple own-client contract firms keep going? Even loyal return clients will eventually stop returning because it'll be too much hassle to get in touch with their usual non-contracted firm post-charge. Getting really tired of the situation - the work is interesting but the continued obstacles are so frustrating. We all just want to get on with our jobs. Need to put in some serious thought into an alternative career, whatever that might be...