Publication of the legal aid payment schedule

The Bar Council acknowledges the publication of the legal aid payment schedule published by the Legal Services Agency yesterday.

Chairman of the Bar Council, Gerry McAlinden QC responded that “Our aim has been to ensure that we are able to demonstrate value for money for the public purse. Legal aid continues to be a demand led and vital service relied upon by many throughout Northern Ireland who require expert representation and advice during difficult times in their lives”.

“These published payments represent the most serious of legal cases within our system in civil, family and criminal law, often reflecting many years of work due to the delay in processing payments in long running and complex cases. The Bar Council has been working proactively with the Department of Justice and the Legal Services Agency for the last three years to improve the system of recording and reporting on legal aid spending.”

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