More West Wing than Cavenagh QC

Over the weekend I made a decision, which I acted on today, that will significantly shape my future for better or worse.

For the past couple of years I've toyed with the idea of becoming a criminal lawyer. I even applied for a couple of prosecution and defence positions, but wasn't offered anything serious so the idea remained hypothetical. The appeal of criminal law is that it is the most advocacy driven area of law; you spend most of your time in court, not behind a desk, and there is far more arguing than paperwork. Also it is undeniably interesting and dominated by issues affecting real people. It is the best area to work in if you are contemplating a smooth transition to Barristerhood.

Last week I got two offers: an interview (to be held today at lunchtime) with a prosecution service and a job offer with a leading criminal defence firm.

This morning I turned both down.

Despite the appeal, I realised the entire field is not me. For a lefty I'm quite law and order when it comes to violent criminals, but on the other hand have loads of sympathy for property and drug offenders who appear as driven by desperation as anything. I don't really suit either side of this heated and passionate area.

Life goes on. We continue to look at houses, and consider bumping up to Preston (but not Sydney thanks SB!). Warne canoodles. Miners languish behind walls of rock. Dozens more die in Iraq. Beazley has a halfway decent week, perhaps fired up by talk of his demise. Life goes on.