I read with interest the comments of Lard Falconer concerning complaints and the appointment of Zahida Mansoor as the first Legal Services Complaints Commissioner (see [2003] Gazette, 2 October, 1).

Might I suggest that Lord Falconer and Ms Mansoor get their own house in order before sitting in judgement on others.

I have recently acted as solicitor for another solicitor who was the subject of the Law Society's disciplinary procedure.

The complaint was from a third party who was disgruntled at not being sold a property and was motivated solely by spite.

There were questions throughout of confidential instructions given by the client and the need to maintain client confidentiality.

The complaint was dealt with thoroughly and sensitively by the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors (OSS).

However, the complainant was not satisfied with the adjudicator's decision and the complaint was referred to the disciplinary committee.

Throughout, I was kept informed and my representations at various stages were sought.

The complainant was still not satisfied and the matter was referred to the Legal Services ombudsman - Ms Mansoor.

Despite the fact that I had quite clearly been involved throughout the investigation, no notices or other information was sent to me by the ombudsman's office.

It was all sent to my client who was becoming increasingly distressed by the experience.

The ombudsman then proceeded to reach a decision potentially detrimental to my client - based on the letter of complaint and consideration of the OSS file without once asking for any representations from either myself or my client.

I complained to the ombudsman's office and was given the brush-off by an officer there.

The ombudsman has no complaints procedure herself or if she does it is conveniently kept to one side.

Until the ombudsman's office can show that it observes the very highest standards of the legal profession I cannot see how any of us can have any confidence that we will receive fair treatment at its hands.

David Moore, Rodgers & Burton, London