' The shot in the arm that legal publishing needs...

... Independent Lawyer is unstuffy, funny, yet really relevant to modern practice, where ethics and standards mix with humour and effort. I'm not just in it - I read it, too. ' - Steve Wedd, partner, BWS, Brighton.

' The launch of this magazine is the one bit of good news legal aid lawyers have had this year. My colleagues and I have been very impressed with the quality of the writing in Independent Lawyer. I hope its concise, well-informed and readable articles will be read by opinion formers and politicians involved with the issues as well as those working in the publicly-funded sector. ' - David Lawton, partner, Budd Martin Burrett, Chelmsford.

' It has been plain for some time that other publications seem disinclined to engage in policy debate and publicly-funded services and Independent Lawyer was needed to provide some "bite". We have signed up and will recommend the Independent Lawyer to others. ' - Stephen Hewitt, managing partner, Fisher Meredith, London.

' There is a gap in the market for a magazine focussing specifically on issues that concern publicly-funded practitioners. Fiona Bawdon has a track record of developing innovative projects... her new magazine will be exciting. ' - Martin Griffiths, Chairman of the Institute of Barristers Clerks and business development director at 199 Strand.

' Independent Lawyer promises to scrutinise issues affecting legal aid firms in an informed, objective way. This can only be a good thing and we welcome it. ' - Steve Orchard, former chief executive, Legal Services Commission.

' I welcome this new venture which should serve to open up the debate on legal services, and wish it well. ' - David Bean QC, past chairman of the Bar.

' Lawyers in the voluntary sector provide an independent, community-based approach to legal services. Independent Lawyer puts in context issues affecting access to justice for the community and for voluntary sector clients. ' - Sara Chandler, senior supervising solicitor, College of Law, legal advice centre.

' I have subscribed to Independent Lawyer since its launch. It is informative, stimulating and a pleasure to read. ' - Gerry Martin, Gateshead Law Centre.

' Independent lawyer combines clear, accessible writing with incisive journalism. It is fast becoming the unrivalled publication for those engaged in the legal services debate. ' - Anna Edmundson, British Institute for Human Rights, deputy director.