Law Society of Ireland Seeks Mediator in Legal Aid Dispute After Certificate Decline
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TL;DR
- The Law Society of Ireland requests an independent mediator to address a legal aid fee dispute.
- Introduction of a flat €520 fee for legal aid cases led to widespread solicitor withdrawals.
- Number of legal aid certificates issued in July 2026 fell 93% compared to the previous year.
- Impasses remain around the treatment of multiple cases and handling of exceptional circumstances.
Overview
The Law Society of Ireland has asked the Minister for Justice to appoint an independent mediator to help resolve an ongoing dispute over new legal aid fees. This follows publication of figures showing a steep drop-by 93%-in the number of legal aid certificates issued in July 2026 compared with the same month the previous year. The dispute arises from the introduction of a flat fee for criminal legal aid work, to which solicitors have responded by withdrawing services in several courts.
What Happened
The Law Society of Ireland sent a letter to the Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, urging the appointment of an independent mediator to address unresolved issues in a dispute over legal aid fees.
Since July 1, 2026, a single flat fee of €520 per legal aid case was introduced for criminal cases, replacing the previous structure where solicitors were paid for each appearance.
After the fee change, many solicitors withdrew services in protest, particularly following the August court recess, leading to a significant reduction in the number of legal aid certificates issued.
Data from the Courts Service showed a 93% drop in certificates in July 2026 (702 issued) compared to July 2025 (10,277 issued), affecting courts in Cork, Dublin, Tipperary, Sligo, and others.
Context
The dispute centers on the fee model for solicitors performing criminal legal aid work, specifically a new flat fee regardless of number of court appearances.
Solicitors argue the new system fails to account for especially complex or demanding cases, including those involving children or mental health issues.
Withdrawal of solicitor services has reduced the processing of legal aid cases, resulting in fewer certificates issued and potentially delaying criminal proceedings.
Why It Matters
- The sharp decline in legal aid certificates may impair access to justice for criminal defendants reliant on state-funded legal representation.
- The dispute has created operational pressures for courts, raising concerns about backlogs and effective administration in the criminal justice system.
- Resolution through mediation could restore solicitor participation and stabilize the provision of legal aid.