Billy Lamb says "And it's still 12 male QCs for every Doris." "Doris" is a term used in the UK for female professionals, especially solicitors and police officers. It's outdated as sexist, but is still used in male-dominated areas.
The incident where Clive Reader falls down the stairs at Chambers was written into the story after Rupert Penry-Jones injured his knee training for Soccer Aid and needed to use crutches.