The legal aid system in Northern Ireland is on the verge of collapse, warns David Lavery, Chief Executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland. Speaking to the Justice Committee on 13 February 2025, he called for urgent intervention to prevent irreparable harm to access to justice.
The Crisis at Hand
For three years, the Law Society has warned of “legal aid deserts”—areas where individuals struggle to find legal representation due to stagnant legal aid fees. While the Enabling Access to Justice programme is a step forward, immediate measures are needed.
An independent report by Hook Tangaza Consultancy confirms that criminal legal aid is financially unsustainable, forcing solicitors to withdraw from cases. Mr. Lavery and colleagues have urged the Justice Minister to ensure that the recently announced 16% fee increase applies to all ongoing cases and to commit to a full legal aid review.
Law Society’s Key Demands
- Immediate implementation of the 16% legal aid fee increase across all cases.
- A full independent review of legal aid fees.
- An urgent review of legal aid in family law cases.
“The Department of Justice has delayed action for too long,” said Mr. Lavery. “Without urgent intervention, access to justice will be compromised.”
At Michelle Crilly Family Law, we support the Law Society’s call for immediate action to protect those who rely on legal aid. The time to act is now.
Michelle Crilly Family Law is dedicated to supporting families through every stage of the legal process. With extensive experience in divorce and custody matters, our team offers personalised legal solutions tailored to your specific needs.