The Law Society has launched a legal challenge against the government over criminal legal aid fees. Chancery Lane has sent a letter before action to the Ministry of Justice over its decision to abolish the committal fee in either way cases in publicly funded criminal work. The change, which came into effect on 3 October, means there will be no payment for work done in the magistrates? court in either way offences where the defendant is committed to the Crown court for trial. read more