Letter: Errant lawyers

Michael Mathews
Monday 01 March 1999 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Errant lawyers

Sir: The article "Complaints swamp the Law Society" (24 February) seems to be turning reality on its head. The Law Society has always taken the issue of complaints against solicitors very seriously.

Over the past few years we have invested considerably, for example pounds 5m on a sophisticated computer system, to improve how complaints are dealt with to ensure that solicitors' clients do receive a fair deal. Indeed the solicitors' profession offers the broadest and fullest safeguards to clients of any profession.

To suggest the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors closed down the two solicitors' firms accused of immigration fraud to stave off criticism is untrue. It took steps the very same day it obtained the evidence needed from the Legal Aid Board.

Our frustration with the issue of immigration abuse has been the lack of information to act on and the powers to act. We continue to press the Government for these extra powers so we can match our commitment to tackling fraud with effective action.

MICHAEL MATHEWS

President

The Law Society

London WC2

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in