Irish Legal News
In a statement confirming its support for the action, the Law Society of Northern Ireland said the criminal justice system “will collapse without an immediate increase in legal aid rates for solicitors”.
The Bar of Northern Ireland announced plans last week for day of action on Monday 4 November, during which members will refuse to participate in any work related to criminal cases across the jurisdiction.
Barristers have also began from today to refuse instructions in all ‘Category A’ Crown Court cases, which include offences of murder and manslaughter, which are returned from that date, as well as refusing instructions in any retrials in respect of all cases which follow on from hung juries or appeals.
The Law Society said solicitors “can no longer afford to undertake criminal legal aid cases” at current fee levels, as it is “no longer profitable”.
It continued: “Solicitors and barristers in Northern Ireland have announced that they will withdraw from criminal court cases on Monday 4th November. Further action will follow unless there is an immediate increase in criminal legal aid fees.
“The Law Society has said that it is aware of the growing frustration on the part of criminal defence solicitors due to the failure to increase legal aid fees and delays in payments for work already completed.
“The Law Society calls on the justice minister, Naomi Long, to remedy this situation as a matter of urgency.”
