I was amused to read the Obiter piece of 12 May entitled ‘Running in the family', about the Law Society president’s daughter being admitted to the roll.

I too was witnessed being admitted as a solicitor, more than 30 years ago, while my father, Sir John Palmer, was president.

It was memorable for me as I had the honour of collecting my practising certificate from Lord Denning, of whom my father was a friend.

As a consequence of their friendship, Lord Denning made a particular point of talking to me when I collected my certificate.

Unfortunately, not being familiar with his slightly unusual accent, I was not able to understand a question that he asked me – despite me asking him to repeat it three times.

Not feeling able to ask him to repeat it a fourth time, I simply replied ‘yes, thank you’, and left the stage.

I have always wondered what it was that he said!

Charles W J Palmer, Taunton