BenUK - do you want me to have a go? If you PM me your requirements, I'll see if I can write anything useful (I've written parsing scripts before (using gawk/grep etc) to pull customer usage data out of Web Server logs, so maybe I can build on those). In any event it's a good idea, and probably something I'd end up doing for myself anyway, once I got familiar with the routines as I currently write quite a lot of complex DOS batch files etc to handle repetitive work. I'll check out the Gigatrib parser after work to see what it does.
Sherryka - sounds like I'll need more than a year! -) I have no problem with writing reports - I used to develop Computer Based Training courses, and I also received a distinction in my Creative Writing course, but of course the whole legal side is an unknown quantity (i.e. being on the stand).
FR - I'd love to relocate! (I keep badgering my husband if any opportunities come up, to grab them.) However, saying that, I live in London, so that's probably an advantage in terms of job opportunities.
Thanks, everyone - this is great, your replies have all given me a lot to think about, and have really helped in terms of my planning for the next 12 months.
KL