Legal Aid increased for Northern Ireland Criminal Solicitors

The High Court has increased the level of legal aid paid to two firms of Northern Irish Criminal Solicitors and their QC for acting in two criminal appeals.  Mr Justice Weir heard the appeal from the taxing master, who reviews the level of fees paid to Solicitors and Barristers in Northern Ireland.

The appeal was made by Seamus Treacy QC, now himself a High Court Judge, and two firms of Northern Irish Criminal Solicitors.  The fees were originally awarded in relation to two referrals to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (“CCRC”).  In both cases Mr Treacy succeeded in having lengthy prison sentences overturned.  Mr Justice Weir acknowledged that the QC had spent considerable pro bono time on each case in order to prepare it for submission to the CCRC.

In one of the cases Mr Treacy‘s fee came to £65,000 but had been reduced to £15,000 by the taxing master.  The Judge ordered a fee of £30,000 and other costs paid.  In relation to the Solicitors’ costs Mr Justice Weir respectfully concluded “that the [taxing] Master has been somewhat severe in his approach to the matter.”  Mr Treacy’s fees were increased by £25,000 to a total of £55,000 for both cases.  Junior counsel and the solicitors costs in relation to the case also increased.  The costs of the appeal will be paid out of public funds.

Bangor criminal solicitor Gary Adair commented:

“Legal Aid is a politically sensitive issue at the present time.  This case typifies the important role Legal Aid can play in our criminal justice system.  Two men have been acquitted as a result of the efforts of one of Northern Ireland’s top criminal barristers.

“As legal aid payments are cut back those accused of offences will increasingly find they are unable to obtain adequate criminal representation.  This could lead to miscarriages of justice.”

If you have been charged with a criminal offence please contact one of the criminal Solicitors at Wilson Nesbitt in Belfast or Bangor on freephone 0800 840 0549 or via email at criminal@wilson-nesbitt.co.uk.

News Categories