Memo to Mr CTB esq. (Strictly confidential)

Dear Mr CTB,

We often say that the best advice a solicitor can give a client is to tell them when to back off from a confrontation. The time has come to give it to you. You must know that your cause is hopeless, and our so-called privacy injunction a laughing stock. Your name is all over Twitter, Facebook and the Scottish press. Millions of people, including your team-mates and your wife, know about your affair with Imogen Thomas. Frankly, if we had broadcast your liaison in adverts on national television, we would have made a better job of protecting your secrets.
    
You think it cannot get any worse. Trust us, it can.
  
At present, you are merely an object of ridicule. If we go ahead with contempt of court proceedings, you will become a target for loathing. The Net hates censorship, and if you start threatening bloggers and Tweeters you will look like a rich, spoilt bully. There will be demonstrations outside the court, maybe inside too.
   
We tried to persuade the Attorney General to act instead of us, so we could put some distance between you and the proceedings, but he wasn’t born yesterday. He won’t touch the case, so we must strongly advise you to drop it, and express your sincere regrets to everyone you have offended. Most people still see you as one of the most likeable footballers in Britain. You will be amazed at how quickly the storm passes
   
Why make life hard for yourself, particularly when you have a big game to prepare for?

Yours sincerely,

Schillings, London WC1B 3HX.
 
(At least I hope this is what Schillings is telling its client. If it isn’t, the unworthy and obviously ludicrous suspicion will grow that London’s libel lawyers are solely motivated by an overwhelming desire to get their hands on other people’s money.)