Law Society saviours

I may be forgiven in thinking at times that solicitors had lost faith in the Law Society with the ongoing political battles.I have to admit at times being deeply concerned, but I would ask fellow solicitors to bear in mind the important roles many officials within the Law Society are continuing to undertake on our behalf.A recent experience by this firm has brought home to me the crucial role dedicated officials do play, and often it is only when we need them most that we fully appreciate their importance.

Our firm specialises in conveyancing, and in our 13 years of practice we had never required a payment from the indemnity fund until there was one allegation of negligence.I was horrified how it was conducted by the fund and the solicitors appointed, and even sought informal advice from another partner on the SIF's panel, who recommended the claim should be contested vigorously, but the opposite view was being taken by the fund and its solicitors, which subsequently paid compensation together with costs.At the heart of the matter was a contention by the SIF that there was no evidence of reckless lending by the lender in the first instance, whereas we relied on in excess of 30 points.We contacted the professional indemnity waiver's executive of the Law Society, and I was immediately struck how the official quickly grasped the situation and the sympathetic approach.

A detailed examination was carried out by the executive resulting in a claim being removed from our records and ordering the SIF to make repayment for the deductible payment.Our reputation and funds were salvaged by the dedicated and professional attitude taken by officials in the Law Society.Andrew R England Kerr, England Kerr Hands & Co, Birmingham