I read Philip Ely's comments that law firms who withdraw from legal aid like 'to whinge' and make a fuss of it (see [2004] Gazette, 26 February, 3).

Such public contempt for legal aid firms is a sad reflection on the direction of the Legal Services Commission (LSC).

I have spent 30 years as a legal aid solicitor, either in private practice or in a law centre.

Twenty-five years ago, I set up my own practice which is now the largest legal aid firm in the north-east, with nearly 80% of our income from legal aid.

I think we are well regarded by the LSC.

I never dreamed that I would be subjected to so many nasty attacks by the tabloids, senior politicians (including the prime minister), and now the chairman of the LSC.

Our firm is almost unique in its commitment to legal aid and yet, like many firms, nearly every partnership meeting is spent discussing whether or not we can afford to continue.

When we do eventually give up the unequal struggle, I intend going out with a bang (but not a gong, I suspect).

Mr Ely's comments were taken from his evidence to the constitutional affairs select committee.

I noted that in her evidence to the committee, LSC chief executive Clare Dodgson twice referred to 'our minister, David Lammy'.

The LSC Web site states that it is a 'non-governmental public body...

responsible for the development and administration of legal aid'.

I had not realised that it has now become a government department.

Ben Hoare, Ben Hoare Bell, Sunderland