The Law Society has accused HSBC and its conveyancing panel manager Countrywide of 'unreasonable' behaviour over membership of the bank's conveyancing panel.

According to a statement, the Society had been told by the bank and Countrywide that an appeal process was in place for firms who failed in their application to join the panel, which was announced last month. It is understood that HSBC has now denied that an appeals process exists.

The Gazette approached the bank for comment this morning but has not yet received a response.

Law Society chief executive Desmond Hudson said there was no explanation for the apparent U-turn, which came just a week after talks between the two parties.

‘This misinformation is unprofessional and unreasonable,’ he said. ‘The only consistent message here is the high-handed way HSBC is treating solicitors. We will continue to lobby both HSBC and Countrywide for an appeals process to be instigated.’

The Law Society has previously urged solicitors to complain to their MPs and withdraw their money from HSBC accounts. It is believed the Society is also considering buying at least one share in the bank for a chance to present its view at the company’s next AGM. Hudson met senior representatives of HSBC last week, a month after the bank caused consternation when it announced its conveyancing panel would contain only 39 solicitor firms.