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I wish the Charter for Justice campaign every success.

However I fear that lack of leadership stretching back over many years, in terms of campaigning for a viable U.K. justice system, means that the profession will have to campaign hard, just to shatter the compact mass of public prejudice against lawyers generally.

Some MPs will inevitably react to any campaign by saying we are just trying to protect our privileged place in society, and of course, our vast fees. If only!

I do feel that the Charter for Justice campaign will raise awareness of a justice system starved of resources, but it must be the start of a more permanent strategy to educate the public as to the importance of the Rule of Law, and the role of a strong independent legal profession.

We spend our whole professional lives advising clients to abide by the laws of this country, which is why we are not very good at defending ourselves when threatened.