Summoned to action Readers may be interested to learn of how we resolved our recent difficulties with the Legal Services Commission arising out of the non-payment of four old green from claims going back to 1998 and 1999.Despite numerous letters and telephone calls to the commission and promises of returned telephone messages, we were never able to advance our claims which undoubtedly foundered upon the loss by the commission of our original papers - and I suspect the loss of several further copies of the originals.

The amount outstanding came to 1,098.

On 30 August this year, we sent a 14-days' letter before action, and therefore issued proceedings in Wandsworth County Court.

By letter dated 28 November, the commission conceded the claim on the basis that its financial services department still need to undertake further enquiries.

We have now been paid, not only the original claims but the court fee and fixed costs.

The ability of the commission to address and resolve the question of our outstanding claims was abysmal.

My advice to anyone engaged in trying to recover outstanding legal aid fees is to concentrate your effort in issuing a county court summons.

Jonathan Savitt, Lawrence & Co, London