I have watched with some bemusement the recent debate about referral fees and fee sharing.

I am a residential conveyancer, and cannot comment on any other area of practice.

However, with respect to conveyancing, I cannot believe that research supports the recent conclusion of Law Society President Peter Williamson that the new rules will 'promote competition and choice for consumers whilst ensuring that independence of advice is not compromised' (see [2004] Gazette, 11 March, 4).

My own recent experiences show exactly the opposite to be the case.

I believe that fee sharing and payment of referral fees will lead to:

- Unemployment among residential conveyancing solicitors and the demise of many high street firms.

- An increasing reliance on unqualified staff in order to save money, but with a concomitant decrease in quality of the work for the consumer - fee levels are already too low for residential conveyancing, and referral fees will drive them down further.

-Lack of independence.

The demands of the referrers and agents on whom they are relying for work take on an increased importance in each transaction as conveyancers are pressured to keep these bodies happy.

- Inefficiency and confusion for clients and professionals alike.

I really do feel strongly that this is an unhealthy develop-ment for the profession and will do nothing but exacerbate the problems that undoubtedly exist within this area of practice.

Jan Walsh, Bristol