Having read the letters from Rob Hailstone (see [2003] Gazette, 11 September, 15) and Rachel Mason (see [2003] Gazette, 18 September, 15), I must give the other point of view.

I have joined a conveyancing factory after many years in high street practice.

I too had reservations, but these were resolved, while still in private practice, by having dealings with a factory.

Their methods were different but not necessarily worse.

When a legal point needed to be discussed, there was a competent person with whom to discuss the point and that person came to the telephone quickly.

I later joined the Woking branch of Countrywide Property Lawyers and found that the same conclusions were reached.

We do deal with matters differently but we do try to do a good job.

Our methods are different so that we can process a large volume efficiently and well.

Certainly, the level of competence is greater than in some firms where the conveyancing is carried out exclusively by unqualified clerks.

The points made by Mr Hailstone apply equally well in my experience to high street firms of solicitors.

Only this week I was put on hold for almost 10 minutes before being informed that the solicitor was unavailable.

Yes, local agents would go to a local firm because they want reciprocal introductions.

However, we do act for estate agencies and receive compliments from them following completion.

Ms Mason's points also apply equally well to solicitors in the high street.

The use of computers has made standard letters common and, unfortunately, a meaningless letter is sometimes generated, but not only from the factories.

As for leaseholds, does Ms Mason not realise that in many large towns solicitors will not handle leaseholds at all for the same reason that many solicitors do not undertake legal aid work.

Ms Mason's question has relevance to the high street firm as well.

We do undertake leasehold conveyancing for established clients but we are honest in saying that our system is not at present geared to handle it.

I know of high street firms of solicitors who will not accept any instructions for leaseholds.

Finally, I am currently acting for clients using our services again.

We too have come-back clients who are pleased with the service offered.

We may be a factory but we are not a bucket shop.

David Lewis, Countrywide Property Lawyers, Woking