Rob Horgan
AN Olive Press campaign to expose the unethical practice of lawyers giving estate agents ‘kickbacks’ for using them has gained the support of a number of legal firms.
Launched this month, our ongoing probe aims to stop the bent practice of lawyers paying estate agents unethical commissions of up to 20% for awarding work.
And the appeal for clean lawyers to step forward has already gained momentum.
“I am very pleased that someone is finally exposing this,” said lawyer Adolfo Martos Gross from Gutierrez del Alamo & Martos Abogados, in Marbella.
“I believe that up to 70% of the top firms offer commissions to agencies and it should be stopped.”
Fellow lawyer Javier Lopez from MT Lawyers in Fuengirola added: “Apart from being against our ethical professional rules, such practices spoil the reputation of Spanish lawyers.
“It generates mistrust in the Spanish economy and rewards unprofessional agents who are more concerned about their commission than in providing an independent quality service: “It is in absolutely everybody’s interest that the practice ends.”
Other law firms also adding weight to our campaign include My Lawyer in Spain, Lawbird, Anderson PCL, Temple Cambria, Poveda & Associates Lawyers and Paradigm Family Law.
While we are still appealing for lawyers to step forward, we are now extending our appeal to gain the support of clean estate agents.
Agents already supporting the campaign include Panorama Properties, Cluttons and Terra Meridiana.
To add your support email newsdesk@theolivepress.es or call 951 273 575
Step in right direction – but when does the NOTARY and local TOWN HALL get included for responsibility? Seems one should BUY ONLY when one gets a LEGAL 1st. Occupancy License!