I agree entirely with Richard White's comments (see [2005] Gazette, 14 April, 16) - in particular, in relation to the growing disparity between private and Supreme Court Taxing Office approved rates with the standard hourly rate paid to publicly funded firms in child care (£78.40).

My specialism is crime. It may illustrate the difficulties faced by those trying to run profitable practices actually to broadcast to those who have either never known, or have long forgotten, the meagre rates available. In London a senior solicitor undertaking Crown Court or Court of Appeal work (in a matter deserving of that level of fee-earner) can charge £55.75 for preparation, £42.25 for attending court with counsel and £24.75 for travel and waiting, of which there can be plenty in litigation cases. A grade B solicitor can charge preparation at £42.25 and attendance at £34. A grade C clerk or trainee can charge £34 for preparation, £20.50 for attending court and £12.50 for travel and waiting. For magistrates' court work, it is a flat rate of £52.55 for preparation and £26.30 for travel and waiting.


The Crown Court rates have remained static since April 1994; living costs in London have not. If one considers there are 1,000 billable hours a year it is not difficult to work out that headlines - such as 'Poll: legal aid close to disintegrating' (see [2005] Gazette, 14 April, 1) are not simply more hyperbole.


Greg Stewart, GT Stewart, London