MORE CHOICE

In your lead letter to the editor (see [2001] Gazette, 1 March, 18), Brian Marson asked whether the Law Society will give a view as...In your lead letter to the editor (see [2001] Gazette, 1 March, 18), Brian Marson asked whether the Law Society will give a view as to whether the interests of the customer are best served by direct conveyancers (wrongly described as factories) or increased choice, with the benefit of local advice.

Firstly, the advent of direct conveyancers, such as Countrywide Property Lawyers, has increased customer choice, and contrary to what many believe, customers do get a choice as to whom they instruct for their house sale or purchase.

It is not like remortgaging, where lenders offer free legal services tied to their product.

Secondly, all conveyancers have for years helped their customers buy properties in other parts of the country, when they are moving out of the locality, without difficulty or subsequent negligence claims.

With the Internet and the imminent arrival of the National Land Information Service, appropriate information will be even more readily available.

Customers have a clear idea as to what is in their own best interests.

Some want the cheapest legal fee possible, or a visit to the high street, but many others want outstanding customer service, transparency on fees, a proactive approach, and access to up-to-date information by a variety of means.

More than 40,000 customers chose the latter, when they instructed us last year.

And dont forget that the definition of the customer should include the lender and the estate agent, who want exactly the same customer service.

Roger Wilson, partner and technical director, Countrywide Property Lawyers, Northampton