Although I have much sympathy with the thrust of John's letter, I fear that his premise is specious. Solicitors are heavily regulated to ensure that we do not misuse the privilege and power that comes with our position.
Builders have less privilege and power and therefore less responsibility.
In fact, the more accurate statement of the position is that society has far greater expectations of solicitors than of building contractors. There is no precondition to a builders licence that the applicant be deemed by the Supreme Court to be a person of good fame and character. The Law Society of New South Wales is the professional association for the solicitors branch of the legal profession in the State of New South Wales, Australia. 170 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.