I fully endorse the points made by Jan Walsh in relation to referral fees (see [2004] Gazette, 25 March, 16).

Payments to third parties for introduction work can be couched in other terms, but they are nothing less than backhanders.

There can be no possible benefit to the client - indeed payment of such fees are likely to be detrimental in as much that the solicitor's profit will be further eroded and result in all the bullet points raised in Jan Walsh's letter.

Payment of referral fees is yet another example of the dumbing down of the professionalism of solicitors, leading our clients to conclude that we are no better than market traders.

The fact that the Master of the Rolls has seemingly accepted the Law Society's recommendation in this regard is disillusioning.

David O'Hagan, Barry & Blott, Bristol