Knocked down or out?

Newspapers are littered with stories of people who have taken a stand on issues as various as entitlement to life-preserving drugs and the right to return to one’s native land. Lawyers are central to them all. When is it wise to take a stand?

To dissect this issue Lovells hosted a fascinating discussion on the subject last week as part of its annual international dispute resolution conference. The principal speakers included Lord Patten of Barnes, Lord Millett and Lord Neill of Bladen, QC, so it was a pretty high-powered panel. And it was their lordships’ general view that, as Lord Patten put it: “If you are unlikely to win, do not take it on.” Lord Millett added that “the greatest value a lawyer can add is in advising when not to pursue a case”.

Now these were prudent, pragmatic views from men who have successfully climbed the greasy pole of public life. But one also has to question, how heroic are they? Would great social wrongs ever be righted if people said, the time’s not right? Or how would the nation have judged the odds in the summer of 1940? Maybe some common folk’s views were needed as well.

Deal or no deal?

“Good morning, please find attached some new delas of Uría Menéndez,” said the e-mail. Given the current state of spelling I wasn’t sure whether it was referring to dealers, delays or delicatessens. Or maybe something else?

Photo op

We are still hungry for entries to our photo competition of Images from the New Chinese World in conjunction with Walker Morris, sponsors of the China exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery. Entrants are invited to submit digital images together with contact details to: timescompetition@ walkermorris.co.uk by December 31.

edward.fennell@yahoo.co.uk

Times Recommends

• BGC 'set aside £40m to lure Tullett brokers'
• Legal aid review to ensure value
• Fears as 21 magistrates' courts face closure