As a partner in a small property-based firm that started just 18 months ago, I have been greatly concerned by two issues in particular – mortgage panels and professional indemnity insurance. Like many colleagues in the provinces, it has often appeared to me that the ‘powers that be’ within the Law Society are only interested in the large firms and have not really shown any interest in small provincial firms. Indeed, I have often sat and listened to sometimes quite heated debates, where solicitors from high street firms have argued that the Law Society did not represent them or do anything to secure their survival. I confess that I have often subscribed to that same view, and have contacted the Law Society on more than one occasion to make my views clear.

I am pleased to say that I now realise I was wrong. I was invited to meet the president of the Law Society, Linda Lee, last week to put forward my views to her and her colleagues, together with representatives of major mortgage lenders. It soon became clear that we are very fortunate to have a president who is very passionate about protecting her members and is clearly working very hard on our behalf. What made her approach even more refreshing is that she is not from a property background, and she is interested in listening to the views of people like myself. Our president and her colleagues are working very hard to represent all members, in large or small firms, and I for one thank her for all she is doing on our behalf.

Steve Bennett, senior partner, Bennett & Co, Maidstone, Kent