Barristers Threaten to Withdraw Services Over Legal Aid Fees and Payment Delays
Barristers in England and Wales are on the brink of withdrawing their services due to ongoing issues with legal aid fees and delays in payments. The situation has reached a critical point, with concerns raised by Lady Chief Justice Siobhan Keegan about the budgetary pressures facing the justice system.
In her recent address, Lady Chief Justice Keegan highlighted that the Department of Justice (DoJ) budget is significantly below where it should be, creating challenges for the administration of justice. Barristers have also expressed frustration over the lack of review of their fees in the last 18 years, adding to the growing discontent within the legal profession.
Moira Smyth KC, Chair of the Bar of Northern Ireland, has issued a warning that the legal aid payment times and rates for barristers have reached a “cliff edge.” She emphasized the importance of publicly-funded legal services in helping vulnerable citizens and stressed the need for timely payments to ensure the viability of the legal aid system.
Ms. Smyth criticized the DoJ for placing barristers in a difficult position by implementing payment delays as a budget management measure. She highlighted the economic challenges faced by legal practitioners, particularly younger and female barristers, who are more susceptible to cash flow pressures.
The Bar of Northern Ireland is considering various options in response to the situation, with concerns raised about the future of publicly funded legal services. The DoJ has acknowledged the ongoing dialogue with the Bar of Northern Ireland on these issues but the barristers are demanding immediate action to address the payment delays and stagnant fees that are jeopardizing the delivery of justice.