ROLE PLAY

I read with interest the article reporting on the Law Society asking for evidence from the Legal Services Commission (LSC) with regard to immigration law firms overcharging on asylum claims (see [2004] Gazette, 13 May, 5).

The Law Society chief executive, Janet Paraskeva, has said that anyone who abuses the system will face disciplinary procedures.

What Ms Paraskeva fails to mention is what the Law Society will do against the LSC if no such evidence exists or if the claim that one-third of the firms are overcharging is untrue.

If the claim is untrue, is it not right for the Law Society to demand a public apology from the LSC.

This is a clear example of why the Law Society should decide whether it wishes to represent the very people who fund its services or regulate them.

It is clear the Law Society cannot do both.

MM Shafiq, Ratna & Co, London