Legal Aid Reforms Spark Surge in Protests | Belfast News

Criminal legal aid reforms are sparking a legal firestorm as Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan shifts solicitors from hourly pay to flat fees, prompting up to 200 to threaten exit. While the Minister claims most solicitors remain active, data reveals 60% of last year’s legal aid funds went to just 100 solicitors — ballooning to 80% for the top 200 and 90% for the top 300. Tánaiste Simon Harris backs the reforms, citing unsustainable spending growth, while Minister James Lawless, a barrister himself, frames the changes as a necessary fix against past misuse. Adjustments have already been made, including a base fee hike, as both sides seek a compromise to stabilize the system. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6a9b8e9b197286ce