Responses to Policy Issues

The Judicial Working Group to Review the Taxation Hourly Rate met on Wednesday 27 November 2024, and received a presentation from BDO on their Report and findings. A copy of that report and a copy of the PowerPoint slides which were used and provide a useful summary, can be found below.

At the outset of the meeting, Mr Justice McAlinden Chair of the Working Group, indicated that legal advice had been sought from the Legal Unit in the Office of the Lady Chief Justice in relation to next steps. The Unit had advised that the determination of the Hourly Rate and the procedure for its future revision was a decision that was to be taken by the Taxing Master.

The BDO Report is available here and members have an opportunity to send through comments thereon. Any comments received will be forwarded to the Working Group in advance of its next meeting on 9 January 2025. Please send comments to ann.mcmahon@lawsoc-ni.org by no later than close of business on Monday 6 January 2025.

Having considered the BDO Report and any comments received, the Working Group will send a report to the Taxing Master, setting out its views on the nature, quality and sufficiency of the evidence received in relation to any revision of the current Hourly Rate and as to how any revision thereof thereafter might be undertaken.

The Society is deeply concerned about the impact which the proposed legal aid reforms will have upon access to justice for citizens in Northern Ireland.  The Society, through its Committees and also at Presidential and Chief Executive level work strenuously to press our case to key politicians and decision makers to ensure that the negative impact of the proposed legal aid reforms are fully understood.  The Society considers that access to justice is a fundamental basis of democracy in a civilised society and is important in terms of social cohesion and protecting the weak and vulnerable.  Recipients of legal aid rely on their solicitor to protect their fundamental rights and advise and steer them through difficult times.  It is important that solicitors are properly paid for their work and their care and conduct of their clients business.  

In order to fully press the case, the Presidential team and Chief Executive meet regularly with the Director of the Court Service, Chairman of the Legal Services Commission and where necessary will meet with the Lord Chancellor, Junior Ministers and members of the Northern Ireland Executive and Members of the Legislative Assembly.  The relevant Society Committee also takes the lead in preparing responses to consultation papers and in monitoring the impact of legal aid changes.  Any potential impact on the network of local solicitors throughout Northern Ireland is carefully considered and we maintain, and argue the case for access to a local solicitor of choice.

The Law Society of Northern Ireland has launched a ‘Best Practice Guidance’ document to assist members involved in making applications on behalf of clients to the Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Board.

We would encourage all members involved in making applications to the HIA Redress Board to avail of the practical information and guidance contained within the document to assist with adopting a trauma-informed, victim/survivor approach throughout the entirety of the process.

Consultation on Training and Entry Pathways in Northern Ireland

The consultation opens on 2 December 2024 and ends on 28 February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this consultation is to seek input from our members and other interested parties on the current vocational training and entry routes into the solicitor profession in Northern Ireland. This initiative builds on previous consultations and recent engagement initiatives, recognising the need to reassess and potentially reform the pathways to solicitor qualification in response to evolving professional demands.

Objectives

The consultation aims to:

Gather Views of Members and other stakeholders on Vocational Training Requirements:

We seek to understand the full range of perspectives on the effectiveness and relevance of the current vocational training framework, particularly regarding its strengths and weaknesses as the primary entry route into the profession.

Explore Additional, Alternative and Innovative Entry Routes:

Recognising the changing needs of the profession, this consultation will explore potential additional and alternative entry pathways, which may include apprenticeships, part-time/hybrid options, or expanded recognition for relevant work experience. The objective is to ensure that qualification routes are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with contemporary legal practice demands.

Ensure Training Aligns with Evolving Professional Needs: 

As the Northern Ireland legal landscape continues to change, it is essential that solicitor training continues to keep pace with new challenges and expectations. We are therefore keen to gather insights on how vocational training can be enhanced to meet the future needs of the solicitor profession in Northern Ireland.

Identify Barriers and Challenges for Aspiring Solicitors:

The consultation also seeks to address potential barriers faced by individuals pursuing a career in law. Understanding these obstacles - whether financial, geographic, or structural - will help us identify ways to make the profession more accessible to talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

By engaging members and key stakeholders in this consultation process, the Society aims to foster an informed, collaborative approach to refining solicitor qualification pathways, ensuring that future solicitors are well-equipped to meet the demands of the profession and the communities they serve.

We welcome views from all stakeholders and interested parties in relation to the proposals outlined. Your responses will help to shape our thinking on the future requirements of vocational training and admission.

Online questionnaire

Our online consultation questionnaire is a convenient, flexible way to respond. You can download a copy of your response after you submit it.

Start your online response now

Please contact us if you need to respond to this consultation using a different format or if you have any questions about the consultation.