Law Centre NI responds to consultation on Enabling Access to Justice Division Legal Aid Engagement Process

Law Centre NI (LCNI) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) engagement on proposed reforms to the legal aid system in Northern Ireland (NI):  Enabling Access to Justice Division Legal Aid Engagement Process. We support the objectives proposed by the DOJ to simplify the legal aid system, create a fairer means-testing process and ensure long-term sustainability. However, LCNI emphasises that any reform must not compromise the fundamental role of legal aid in protecting access to justice and upholding the rule of law.

LCNI is not opposed to reform of the legal aid system; rather, we urge the DOJ to ensure that any proposed changes are carefully considered and do not undermine access to justice. It is critical that a balanced approach is adopted, recognising legal aid not simply as a cost but as the cornerstone of a fair and accountable justice system across Northern Ireland.

Read our full response here