Good on the Law Society for promoting the role of solicitors in society (see [2004] Gazette, 23 September, 26).


There are too many unqualified advisers offering legal services in the market-place and it is about time someone highlighted this to the general public. It is always better to go to someone who is properly qualified - you wouldn't ask a doctor's receptionist for a diagnosis, after all, so why ask someone without formal legal training (which is undertaken for a good reason) for legal advice?



Having worked in several practices since qualification, I am still shocked that unqualified members of staff are being passed off as 'conveyancers' and 'probate practitioners'. Surely this amounts to misrepresentation to the clients, who assume they are dealing with someone with legal qualifications.



I have heard clients refer to some of these unqualified and untrained 'fee-earners' as solicitors and have been quick to put them right.



If the Law Society's campaign drives more people to use a solicitor and insist on a solicitor within a firm, then any money spent will be worthwhile. In driving out unqualified advisers, perhaps the public perception of solicitors can be improved, although I think we have a long way to get to 'hero' status.



Elizabeth Thomson, Sittingbourne, Kent