Barrister Strike Causes Major Delays in Crown Court Cases
Barristers in Northern Ireland were on strike from January until June, resulting in no Crown Court cases involving individuals requiring legal aid being heard during this period.
According to figures obtained by NI, almost 2,500 cases were affected over the six months of the strike.
Victim Support NI highlighted that the delays caused "additional trauma" to victims involved in these cases.
The strike began on 5 January and ended on 18 June, during which time no Crown Court cases funded by legal aid could proceed.
Following an agreement reached earlier this month regarding fees, criminal barristers in Northern Ireland are now set to resume covering legal aid funded Crown Court cases.
Data from the Department of Justice shows that 2,457 cases were impacted by the withdrawal of barristers' services. These include:
- 479 plea and sentencing hearings
Barristers have committed to working to "advance" the delayed cases now that the strike has ended.
'Sleepless Nights, Panic Attacks'
Nichola Green, deputy chief executive of Victim Support Northern Ireland, described the impact of repeated postponements on victims and witnesses.
"Those supported by Victim Support NI have told us that these delays have caused considerable distress and, in some instances, additional trauma," she said.
"When cases are postponed, sometimes repeatedly, victims are forced to relive the process over and over again.
"We regularly hear from victims who describe sleepless nights in the weeks leading up to a trial. They experience heightened anxiety, panic attacks, intrusive memories, and difficulty concentrating in general.
"Many have to take time off work. They have to arrange childcare, inform employers, prepare themselves psychologically, and in some cases, spend months building up the courage simply to walk into a courtroom.
"When a trial is suddenly adjourned because legal representation is unavailable, everything they have mentally prepared for disappears overnight. Instead of reaching the end of one chapter, they're told they must begin preparing all over again.
"That's unfair. It shouldn't happen.
"They shouldn't be collateral damage in this," she said.
Legal Aid Fee Dispute and Resolution
The barristers' strike was prompted by disputes over pay. Donal Lunny KC, chair of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland, stated that Crown Court legal aid fees had not increased in 20 years.
Justice Minister Naomi Long agreed in early June to implement recommendations from a review of criminal legal aid, including an 8.66% increase to all criminal legal aid fees.
On 18 June 2026, 66% of Criminal Bar Association members voted to return to full service.
In a statement, the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) said:
"The escalated withdrawal of services was taken by the CBA as a last resort and in response to a deepening access to justice crisis throughout the criminal justice system.
"Over the course of the action, and in all of its engagement with stakeholders and those affected by its withdrawal of services, the CBA remained united and steadfast, repeatedly stating that it wanted to urgently find a resolution that would enable all barristers to return to work in all Crown Court cases."
"The CBA welcomes the fact that sufficient progress has now been made to enable full service to resume and appreciates all of the effort and engagement that has contributed to this outcome.
"The Criminal Bar Association is committed to working with criminal justice partners to advance those cases that had been impacted by the withdrawal of services," it added.
Justice Minister Naomi Long told the BBC that victims and witnesses affected by the strike would "remain the focus as we work to repair the system."
"Recovery plans published by the Lady Chief Justice rightly prioritise cases involving the most vulnerable and seek to ensure cases ready to proceed are dealt with at the earliest opportunity in the interests of those who have been waiting too long for justice," she said.
The Department of Justice described the end of the strike as a "positive development" and expressed hope for a full return to services by all members.
'Backlog of Cases'
Victims Commissioner Geraldine Hanna commented on the announcement of the strike's end via a statement on X.
"This announcement will come as a great relief to those victims of crime who have been living with the uncertainty of when their case is likely to be heard.
"I look forward to hearing more on what actions will now be taken to address the increased backlog of cases and get the courts fully up and running again.
She added that while the return to service is "undoubtedly positive," she remains concerned about the prolonged halt of serious criminal cases.
"It is simply not acceptable that a public service which affects some of our most vulnerable citizens was effectively on indefinite hiatus," she said.
What is Legal Aid?
Legal aid is government financial assistance that helps individuals obtain legal representation if they cannot afford it otherwise. These cases typically occur in magistrates' courts or Crown Court.
The CBA has previously stated that, when adjusted for inflation, legal aid rates for lawyers have decreased between 47% and 58% since 2005.
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