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In 34 years I cannot recall TLS doing anything constructive for criminal lawyers. In 1994 was it when LA franchising first appeared, the firm in which I had been a partner for 10 years (I am no longer; they gave up legal aid work years ago),considered applying for a franchise. We were against the whole principle, fearing, rightly as it turned out, that this was the thin end of an already micro-thin wedge. However the LAA/LSB, or whatever they were then, made it plain that early applicants would get an easier ride than those who applied later. We spoke to TLS, asking if there was any prospect of getting a head of steam up to resist the scheme. We were told not, so went ahead. When the second tranche of firms applied 18 months later, we were surprised to learn that TLS were considering advising those applicants not to sign a contract!.Another TLS special, involving horses cantering off with the stable doors on their backs!