I read with interest Anthony Hunt's letter regarding his experience of trade unions 'poaching clients' (see [2005] Gazette, 15 September, 18).


This situation is similar to the discrimination that I have recently encountered in connection with personal injury claims.


When applying for after-the-event legal expenses insurance, I was informed in most cases that an application would not be considered on the basis that, as a high street general practice, we cannot refer a minimum number of cases each month to an insurer.


It appears that the client's free choice of solicitor is less important than generating maximum income from their plight for selected firms, which have sufficient resources to purchase instructions by one means or another.


Conveyancing will shortly follow the same route and 'supermarket law' will, almost inevitably it now seems, usurp the professional practice of law. One can only imagine the irresistible offers of 'three for two' or loyalty card bonus points intended only to generate the maximum number of instructions, regardless of merit or the client's best interests.


Louise Allonby, Hugh Whitlock, Milford on Sea, Hampshire