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They call it modernizing the fee structure. I thought that would mean say using new software , cutting red tape , cutting down on paper , having a new system of claiming for the work and even taking a modern pragmatic view using advanced IT that works for collaboration and communication with the LAA, COURTS & POLICE . But no this is as simple as the hostage taker saying , I will give your husband back but take the kids in exchange . The cuts so far have meant that we have gone back to rates of pay from the early 1990s and salaries for Criminal Defence Practitioners are just laughable . Even after all this the Government still expect value for money for the tax payer - agreed - But you get what you pay for . The LAA even want you to have good IT systems , an office!, private client areas and also to be solvent ! - give me break ! I live in the real world . When you are paid a low rate for your product , whatever that may be , then the only way to survive is to use very very very cheap staff and the cheapest offices with out lock in leases and to do the absolute minimum on a case which satisfies your contract and also your ethics . The client does not come into it I am afraid .