As a practitioner in a small conveyancing practice, I am often asked to act for both sides in a transaction but, of course, the practice rules state that this is not allowed unless it falls within one of the narrow exemptions.

My blood boils when I am then told that such and such licensed conveyancing firm is happy to act for both sides to a conveyancing transaction out of one office, as this is permitted by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers under its guidance note 5.


Is there a groundswell of opinion to change Law Society practice rule 6 to make it accord with the council's guidance note 5? I feel that we are acting at a disadvantage to our competitors.


Richard Bull, AH Page, London