With ILEX Members getting even more "power" there is clearly even more need for proper regulation of Members. If ILEX must still play "second fiddle" to the Law Society then this will be a widening "loophole". Please accept that I DON'T know what has happened since the Legal Services Act or what other changes are planned. Is there anyone (senior) in ILEX who can address these general concerns? I think many members of the general public would be relieved if there is some "official" assurances over these concerns. If not I suppose we must write to our MP's and/or the OLSCC - but please forward this email to anyone you think can help.

----- Original Message -----

From: Spenser Poultney

To: enquiries@legalcomplaints.org.uk

Cc: info@ilex.org.uk ; contactus@barstandardsboard.org.uk ; Sheila Chapman

Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2008 12:32 AM

Subject: New Complaint - FDC Law, BA3 2DF

As a "heads up" I attach a 9-page document and a covering letter - both MS Word Documents. Signed hard-copies were posted first class, "signed for", on 19th December 2008 to the address on your web site http://www.legalcomplaints.org.uk/how-to-contact-us.page. However, the Post Office informed me that the "8, Dormer Place" address now comes up on their system as "Norton & Company, Solicitors" (???)

I also ask ILEX and the Bar Council to acknowledge receipt. In ILEX's case I do not expect that you will take up the complaint against Elaine Pitman until the LCS/SRA has dealt with the solicitor complaints (unless things have changed?) - but please acknowledge receipt nonetheless.

In the case of the Bar Council I need to know which complaints you will now address? There are OLD complaints against Catriona Duthie - but since the Court did not conclude that District Judge Rutherford had been misled (in 2003) until 25th June 2008 - these complaints could not be brought (properly) any earlier. The same goes for SOME of the complaints against David Curwen - others are later but we were STILL missing pieces of the puzzle until October 2008 (all thanks to Nigel Long for trying to justify his own misconduct).

Top marks go to the ALCD. Nigel Long was only a "minor player" (though a long-running one) in this Firm's misconduct - and yet his fine was £5,000 with £500 costs - nor did the ALCD have to wait on others (e.g. ILEX waiting on the Law Society) in order to take action. The two heads upon which the ALCD has already found are the first two heads against FDC Law... Indeed, we see the stunt that the "Incompetent" (H H J Cardinal, 2005) Patricia Wayman pulled in 2004 being mimicked in 2008 by her arrogant and stupid understudy, Ben Whelan. May I suggest this would NOT have happened if the Law Society had been even 10% as good at the ALCD at enforcing it's own rules? Disciplinary action against this firm is long overdue and this repeat performance by Whelan shows that disciplinary action is probably the ONLY way to bring this firm into line and to protect the public from their incompetence [SIC], dishonesty and greed.

Beyond acknowledging receipt I do not expect any further action this side of the New Year. Over the break I will flesh-out the complaints (particularly for ILEX and the Bar Council) to make life easier for you. Please navigate to http://www.lcs-test.co.uk/HomeNav.htm and follow the links on the left hand side (more will appear over the holiday). When this work is complete I expect to re-send the attached MS-Word document with updated (working) links for your ease of navigation and to assist your understanding.