I have some sympathy with Jonathan Mason - although not with the rather discourteous way he refers to some of his professional colleagues (see [2006] Gazette, 16 March, 16). None of us likes losing clients, whether it be to so called 'sausage factories' or indeed to small high street practices which, equally, can form part of estate agents' panels of preferred law firms.

But let us be realistic. We live in an increasingly competitive world, and if and when home information packs come along, things are likely to get worse. Whoever controls the packs will control the conveyancing and there will be an increasing risk of clients being steered away from their previous solicitors.


No one has the right to assume a client is there for life. We have to work hard to retain our clients. Custody of the deeds is no guarantee that clients will return to us. We have to keep in touch with clients and explain the changes in the market-place, and remind them of the benefits of independent advice. If we do not we cannot expect to be their first port of call for conveyancing in the future.


Richard Atkins, Taylor Walton, Luton