Editor's weekly: Freebie-jeebies

We all know law fairs arent just about the giveaways but no milk-round season would be complete without the corporate umbrellas, stress toys, water bottles, mugs and Post-it notes on offer.

Indeed, despite the credit crunch it seems expense is no barrier when it comes to firms wanting to outwit each other on the freebies front. But are giveaways a worthwhile marketing tool, or do they just represent a cheap bribe that will soon be forgotten? Whats more, during our travels we spotted at least two firms that are still handing out plastic carrier bags, which hasnt impressed some students.

Kyle Soo, the president of the University of Manchester Law Society, said: Plastic bags are unnecessary and are bad for the environment. The reusable bags are much better.

In all fairness, its not just the plastic bags that are bad for the environment because most of the freebies on offer are likely to end up in the scrap heap before theyre even removed from their packaging. Thankfully, though, lots of firms are thinking about the environment and are handing out reusable bags and products made out of recycled materials such as CD cases and tyres I just hope this trend continues.

On a much lighter note and in the name of scientific research we have compiled an online poll to enable you to vote for favourite giveaway. Click here to vote.

Incidentally, its National Pro Bono week next week so let us know what you law school is doing to mark the annual event and keep an eye on my colleague Corinne McPartlands pro bono blog her first entry will be published tomorrow (Friday).

Last but not least for all you wannabe human rights lawyers check out our interview with the director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti.

husnara.begum@lawyer2b.com