I can only applaud the action taken by Hertfordshire firm Judkins and its partner Paul Judkins. My own firm has recently had its appeal concerning removal from the Santander panel, for Abbey, denied. I regard this as an act in restraint of trade and a slur on my firm’s services.

A solicitor, in the course of acting for a client in conveyancing, offers legal services extending well beyond the narrow range of mortgage security relating to a house purchase. These services may extend to failed offers to purchase prior to exchange of services, where my firm, in common with many others, may waive its fee until a successful exchange of contracts has taken place upon an alternative property.

I also see a lender as having a conflict of interest where, for example, the terms and conditions of its lending, and the terms and conditions of its legal charge, could well be onerous. I believe this conflict of interest should prevent a firm of solicitors acting both for the lender and its customer. Both parties should have separate legal representation.

I would hope the Law Society would give active support to Mr Judkins in these matters.

JL McKenzie, partner, Vincent French & Browne, London WC1