I read with interest the letter 'Facing home truths' (see [2004] Gazette, 7 May, 15).

Contrary to the many law firms that the correspondent describes, our conveyancing practice is built on the relationships that we forge with our clients and local estate agents.

We cannot expect to compete with the conveyancing warehouses on cost, and therefore we depend on giving the highest possible level of service to our clients.

However, there is a downside to this.

The larger estate agents for commercial reasons are pointing clients towards the conveyancing warehouses.

When it comes to seeking information on the progress of transactions, however, we find that those same agents often make us their first port of call by preference for a rapid, knowledgeable and courteous response.

When we are the buyer's solicitors this is galling.

Agents are prepared to take advantage of the level of service that we offer, but not to recommend it.

If we operated solely on a commercial basis we would tell such agents to go away and speak to their client's own solicitor.

But would that serve our client?

Nick Smith, Wayman & Long Solicitors, Sudbury