Last week we reported (see story) that the Law Society had published a half-arsed report leading to claims in the national press that City firms were homophobic. This was despite the report being based on conversations with only 25 lawyers.

More than 50 gay lawyers sent in their comments to us - you can see the responses here. Whilst some readers thought that homophobia really was an issue in the profession they were outnumbered by about 4:1 by those who said they'd had a positive experience. Clifford Chance, Freshfields and Linklaters were singled out for particular praise. Typical comments include:

My experience of working in the law has been nothing but wonderful. As a former senior paralegal (who is taking a short career break after 35 years!!) I cannot praise enough the support & encouragement I received from all partners & support staff alike, within a well-known corporate firm for the last 24 years!

My sexuality as an extrovert lesbian was never an issue and did not in any way hinder my progression within the profession. - I only wished I had been invited to those famous rugby matches!!! (National firm)

There seems to be many gay associates and partners, and certainly all of my trainee intake know I'm gay. It's not an issue and I hope it continues not to be throughout my career. (City firm)

My boyfriend is known to all my colleagues and welcomed at social events. I categorically did not recognise the report in the Metro/Gazette as reflecting my own experience. (SJ Berwin)

Never been an issue, a couple of partners here are openly gay which helps. It amazes me how uninformed some people still are. Note to Law Soc: get with the programme. (City firm)

Completely positive. I am out to all of my colleagues at work, who do not consider my sexuality to be an issue in any way, shape or form. I was appalled at the article in the Metro, as I felt it completely misrepresented the City, or at least my experiences of it. (City firm)

I am astounded by the number of gay people in the office. There are a lot of us here and I have never had any issues. (Linklaters)

I am openly gay at the office, with colleagues very accepting and welcoming. There have been no issues for me and for the advancement of my career at the firm. What you are judged on is your performance and if you perform well you will advance. (Freshfields)

I was surprised at the recent news stories on this. I can safely say that I have never had any problems or felt uncomfortable being gay here. It's not important for me that everyone knows but those who do or who have met my boyfriend at functions etc are 'cool with it'. There are also a few obvious gay disco bunnies floating around the firm so all in all, I don't imagine we have a problem. (Clifford Chance)

I (female) am openly gay amongst most of my colleagues and I don't believe homophobia in the law is worse than any other profession, unless you count a dress policy ban on piercings, dungarees and doc marten boots as homophobic... (National firm)

I'm basically out at work (without advertising the fact - but I don't edit my conversations either) and in my experience the vast majority of colleagues do not regard the fact that I fancy men as being an issue at all. Besides I think it's rather rich to suggest that drinking pints and watching rugby is somehow homophobic. Please give me a break! (City firm)

It was not an issue for me being out at work and to be honest nobody seems to give a toss either way. There's plenty of us "out" and about too. (Linklaters)

And there can even be some upsides - "as a lesbian, the stereotypes actually help my career as people assume that I am career driven and will not be having babies once I get promoted." And we're very happy for the lawyer at a City firm who wrote in to say that things were "great - plenty of cock and bum fun".

Thanks to everyone for writing in. We've sent the replies over to the Law Society for their consideration before publishing this sort of thing in future.