Obiter lives in hope, and likes to think that all legal aid advisers do too, but it can be important to make a few cursory preparations for disappointment.

So in the unlikely event that parliament fails to completely eviscerate the more noxious clauses of the Justice Bill relating to civil legal aid provision, a plan is needed.

Inspiration comes from Obiter friend, former MP and lawyer Bob Marshall-Andrews, who has written a feisty memoir about his experience of the last government, Off Message: the complete guide to political humbug.

In his chapter on ‘Liberty and Terror’, Bob recalls his successful efforts with Vera Baird, later solicitor general, supported by the Law Society and other right-thinking folk (RTF), to oppose government attempts to remove the right to trial by jury.

They were less lucky on other provisions though. ‘As the House adjourned and its members disappeared into the night, Vera Baird, Brian Sedgemore and I drank wearily together in the Pugin Room overlooking the Thames… flattened by anticlimax.

'The fundamentals of jury trial remained unaltered, but vast tracts of the repressive legislation had been passed. We managed, I think, two bottles of the House of Commons’ best.’

With friend-Bob and Vera back on civvy street, it’s ages since Obiter had a few wines in the Pugin Room. So there it is – Plan B for RTFs all ready. Just in case.

Off Message is published by Profile Books, priced at £16.99.