I refer to Peter Williamson’s comments on the Solicitors Regulation Authority board’s decision not to ban referral fees (see [2009] Gazette, 12 February, 9).

He and the board might be interested to learn that, in a survey of north-west lawyers held during a risk seminar recently on this very subject, there was overwhelming support for the SRA to produce a standard model agreement and/or clauses for use in their firms' referral arrangements. The survey’s result sends a clear message that such clauses and agreements would be welcomed by the profession, yet there is no firm commitment from the SRA to provide this. Will the SRA now listen and act by providing the profession with the tools needed to ensure compliance with the rules, or will it instead focus on pursuing as many firms as possible under its new powers to fine? I would hope the former, but I fear the latter.

Michelle Garlick, Weightmans, Manchester