4 NOVEMBER 2006, Page 111

Q. I knew that legal aid lawyers like myself were

facing a difficult future, but I was caught somewhat off guard when a barrister colleague told me that she had just turned 40 and wondered if she were too old to ‘go on the game’ as an alternative career option. As she is a frequent opponent, I knew that anything short of honesty would undermine my credibility with her, and yet I did not want to be ungallant. I said that I thought she could manage it, but might have to specialise. Do you think I got it about right?

M.D.S., Gravesend, Kent A. Congratulations on your intelligent response to this clearly rare presentation.