While clearing out my rather dated and messy office today, I came across the Green Book from October 2000.

Still being at university then and labouring under the misconception that my path was to be paved with gold, I flicked through it curious to know what fixed costs were allowable that year.

I was astonished to find that they were exactly the same as they are now. Surely the powers that be do not think that the costs involved in drafting a claim on behalf of a client have not increased even slightly in the intervening period.

I further notice that the ‘cost’ of issuing a claim has at least doubled across the board, taking into consideration the ‘allocation fee’.

I feel sure that my colleagues, stuck on derisory legal aid rates, will have sympathy; although given BVT and civil bids, they may look at me with envy and see these rates as quite generous.

I fancy that even older books will show once again the general failure to appreciate that there are no ‘fat cats’ in the legal world anymore – at least not practising on your average high street.

A barrister informed me the other day that most members of the bar would take a hefty pay cut should they choose to join the judiciary. I would be looking forward to an almost four-fold pay rise.

Greg Smith, Thomas Magnay & Co, Gateshead