I write to comment on Michael R Moore’s letter about referral fees. I qualified in 1976 and can relate to and empathise with all that he recounts – with the exception of his final paragraph.

My firm has always refused to accept or pay referral fees. In my mind, to do so wholly compromises the independence and integrity of the profession. I was appalled when the Law Society first approved the practice and I have fought against it ever since. Yes, my firm has lost introductions from local estate agents and others who worship on the ‘altar of profit’. Few of my clients who have followed their recommendations have had the appetite to repeat the process and have returned to the fold.

My response has always been to refuse to make introductions to those who will introduce work only upon the payment of a ‘bung’. My clients know that my firm has always jealously protected its independence and will act only in its clients’ best interests, and will not accept or pay financial or other inducements. We rely entirely on our reputation, the quality of our service and upon recommendation. While my firm does not aspire to Lexcel accreditation, we do keep a register of ‘approved suppliers’ and will only recommend those who have similar ‘professional standards’.

Despite the apparent disadvantage of ‘fighting with one hand tied behind our back’ as suggested by Mr Moore, we have turned this apparent disadvantage to our benefit by gaining the reputation of being one of the few firms (if not the only one) in the locality with unquestionable integrity and independence. As a result, our practice proudly flourishes.

I delight in the fact that our regulators appear, at last, to be discharging their duties of seeking to protect the integrity and independence of the profession.

Peter S Hughes, Hughes & Company, Tring