Letter of the law
Sir: Michael Cole says he is left shaken by the thought that Louise Woodward may be allowed to become a solicitor, but is unlike- ly to become a barrister and could not become a London cab-driver (Diary, 14 November). Let me put his mind at rest.
It is certainly true that Miss Woodward could hypothetically become a solicitor. However, just as she would 'almost certain- ly be disqualified' if she wished to become a barrister, so too would she find it hard to become a solicitor.
The professions of solicitor and barrister
have strict entry rules designed to protect clients by preventing people who have bro- ken the law from practising as lawyers. These rules are so strict that it is rare that anyone with a serious conviction has been allowed to practise. While it is not impossi- ble for a person with a manslaughter con- viction to become a solicitor or a barrister, the chances of it happening in either case are extremely slim.
Rupert Winlaw
The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2
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