PAYING THE PRICE I write further to the article 'Hero to zero' (see [2001] Gazette, 22 November, 16).

The general voice of concern ultimately seems to be the underlying issue over fees and 'value for money'.

In practice, I am finding that when I conduct a case appropriately, raising specific legal issues such as abuse of process, I am not paid for the work conducted.

The picture given to criminal lawyers in general is that the reward for conducting a file properly is to receive no payment for the work, other than for the minimal task of reading prosecution papers and advising the client in brief.

Any other work tends to be disallowed on taxation.The Legal Services Commission seems to be implying: 'We do not want you to be good lawyers.

Your clients are guilty, so do not do the work as you will not be paid for it.'To maintain a high standard of criminal lawyer, the government is going to have to increase fees substantially.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit good quality staff.

People with the requisite qualities are rapidly moving away from publicly funded work.F Philip Kazantzis, solicitor, London WC2