My, but the emails have been flying around today in the wake of Bindman’s public announcement, including Round Robins and emails with lists, admittedly of varying accuracy, of which firms are refusing to sign.

Some firms are definitely not signing, but I’m not saying which firms these are unless and until they make it public. But there are some big names involved (well, big for the legal aid sector), as well as a surprising number of small firms around my area. I take back some of my earlier doubts – there may well be a higher level of refusal to sign than I thought was likely. Bindman’s public stance appears to be having its effect – as I said, an astute move on their part.

Obviously, the terms of the Law Society’s proposed Judicial review have been key to the ways in which the refusals have been couched. Tactically, the Law Society has done a great service in providing a point around which opposition can realistically gather, although this does mean that the terms of opposition to the contract have become very limited – specifically to those of the Pre-Action letter.

The next week will be a nail biter.