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@Simon Hustler Commented on: 22 November 2017 16:57 GMT

"....The standards at the criminal bar are, on the whole, much much higher than the solicitors side of the profession in terms of paperwork, law and advocacy. ..."

Which of course is why Solicitors do all the paperwork then.

"...If, memory serves me right, Wellman bemoans the American single profession system in his opening chapters of The Art of Cross-Examination. .."

Never rely on memory. Always go to the authoritative sources. But perhaps start with Munkman on the Technique of Advocacy rather than the writings of a flamboyant New York Bar Advocate? Also, have a look at Du Cann 'The Art of the Advocate'. It refers to real old cases conducted by Marshall Hall and Norman Birkett. Also have a look at their biographies (and some others), that is Birkett , Hastings, Hall Issacs, Hewart, Darling, Macmillan, etc. Not that I wish to be rude but it doesn't appear that you have read any Legal History?

"...At the moment, I am involved in correspondence with a CPS lawyer who cannot understand English or respond in grammatical sentences. It is depressing that such a person can become qualified. ..."

You need to be very careful you don't drop your instructing solicitor in the mire here mind.

"....The new exam for solicitors should be introduced as soon as possible. But made far harder than envisaged. All in practice should be made to take the test so that we can get rid of a large tranche of solicitors who should never have been admitted in the first place. ..."

We used to have a very tough regime. It was called the LSF. Its pass rate was between 35% and 55%. The Bar Exams have always been easier to pass and the training shorter (one year pupillage as opposed to two years articles). Whether you would have passed it or not is another matter.

".....Let’s start with the basics, shall we? ..."

In view of my comments above, perhaps so ... Simon ... perhaps so ......

PAB