The Irish Sun reported on July 22, 2026 that lawyers in Dublin's criminal legal aid system were beginning a two-day stoppage, with three further days planned the following week, and that there were concerns people charged with serious crimes could challenge their prosecutions as a result. Our criminal defence team represents legally aided clients in the District Court every day and is directly affected by the scheme at the centre of this dispute.
The paper quoted Ferrys Solicitors partner Tony Collier, spokesperson for the solicitors' group, who said the decision to shut down the courts was taken with "great regret".
"Every solicitor would much prefer to be in court representing their clients but that is simply not possible under the new legal aid scheme," he said.
The fallout Ferrys has warned about
The Sun's report focused on the risks the dispute creates for the justice system, and they are the same risks Ferrys has raised since June.
People arrested for serious offences who are questioned without a solicitor, or who appear in court unrepresented, may later argue that they did not receive proper legal advice. About 20 cases in which unrepresented people were refused bail were due before the High Court later in the week. Victims face longer delays and witnesses must wait to give evidence, and the backlog will carry into the new legal term in October.
Ferrys' point is that none of this is the outcome solicitors want. It is the predictable consequence of a scheme that firms cannot afford to work under.
The scheme
From July 1 the Department of Justice pays one flat fee of €520 per legal aid client, replacing €239.38 for a first appearance and €59.86 for each subsequent one. The Department says the change discourages abuse and reduces unnecessary delays. Solicitors say it makes criminal legal aid work unsustainable and does not guarantee they will be paid proportionately for work done.
Ferrys' position
Ferrys wants to be in court. The firm's criminal defence solicitors continue to represent clients assigned under the old scheme and juvenile clients, and the firm and the Law Society remain available to meet the Minister at any time to reach an agreement that reflects the work actually involved.