"No brilliance is needed in the law. Nothing but common sense, and relatively clean finger nails"

This quote by John Mortimer is a suggestion that the law is not a complicated field of study that requires a high level of intelligence to comprehend. Rather, it is a field that relies on sound judgment and practicality. Mortimer is recommending that the law is not a place for intellectual showboating, but rather a location for useful issue solving. He is likewise stressing the value of cleanliness and professionalism in the legal occupation. By pointing out tidy finger nails, he is suggesting that the law is an occupation that requires a particular level of regard and decorum. In other words, the law is not a location for sloppiness or unprofessionalism. In conclusion, this quote is a suggestion that the law is a field that requires good sense and professionalism, not radiance.