It is astonishing that the government has not publicised the Ministry of Justice research into public attitudes to legal services (see [2010] Gazette, 4 March, 1) – after ministers specifically commissioned it so they had a baseline from which to measure the impact of the reforms.

The research highlights very strong satisfaction with solicitors and other lawyers. These very high levels of client satisfaction reflect the high professional and ethical standards of the solicitors’ profession. This reinforces previous research, which has consistently found clients are happy with the service they receive from their solicitor.

A clear majority of respondents surveyed also felt they were given adequate information about fees and charges, how long the matter would take, how they would be kept updated and who they should contact for more information.

It’s a mystery why the government chose to bury this good news.

Desmond Hudson, Chief executive, Law Society