A dressing-down

The following letter was originally published in the Gazette:

"Dear Editor,

The existing distinction in court dress between solicitor-advocates and barristers is ridiculous.

This penalises both solicitors and - more importantly - their clients.

Obviously solicitor-advocates should be allowed to wear wigs without further delay.

However, a subtle difference in the design of the wigs may still be appropriate to enable those in the legal profession to recognise the distinction in status.

I would suggest that, rather than being made from horsehair, solicitor-advocates' wigs should be made from nylon.

And be orange.

Simon Gibbs, barrister (non-practising)"