Cork solicitors withdraw from legal aid scheme for criminal work (opens original article in a new tab)

Solicitors in Cork are withdrawing from the legal aid scheme for criminal work, citing unsustainable payment rates and potential disruption to legal representation. The move is part of a national protest against proposed government reforms that could lead to 'legal deserts' in rural areas.

• Solicitors in Cork withdraw from legal aid scheme for criminal work starting Monday
• Minister for Justice's reforms face criticism for potentially creating 'legal deserts' with reduced legal representation
• Proposed reforms would pay solicitors a flat fee of €455 per case regardless of complexity, leading to financial viability concerns