DAVID Steele's report on the reprimanded solicitor (May 7) illustrates the application of an extremely weak form of Law Society self-regulation. A comparison in many other professions would result in a suspension from practice or duty, but again we see the solicitor fined a laughable ''maximum'' #1000 and allowed to continue in business, with a ''reprimand'' that is generally regarded in the profession as a ''tap on the wrist''.
The case of the handling of Mrs Sarah McGuire's estate yet again shows the inadequacy of self-regulation to enforce standards of conduct, which has led to further doubts being cast on the integrity of the legal profession.
There has, however, been a deluge of recent cases of solicitors purposely mishandling or ruining deceaseds' estates, with inconsistent Law Society judgments that stifle further punishment of the offending solicitor.
This practice must stop and those who breach the client's trust, as in many other walks of life, should be removed from their positions immediately.
The responsibility for bringing change to the legal profession rests with the Scottish Office, and it is about time the legislators took notice of the public's call for the removal of the Law Society, which is regularly seen as defending its own members. Honest and hard-working lawyers should not have to suffer the tarnish of colleagues who operate in their own interest above that of the paying client.
Peter Cherbi,
47 Bongate, Jedburgh.
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