Limerick solicitors warn of risks of defendants representing themselves in court due to strike

Solicitors say clients may not realise the long-lasting consequences of self-litigation
Limerick courthouse: 'I think it is a risk to represent yourself; it's the job of a solicitor to put forward a plea in mitigation and to get you the lightest possible penalty and in most cases, try and avoid someone getting a jail sentence.' Picture: Dan Linehan

Limerick courthouse: 'I think it is a risk to represent yourself; it's the job of a solicitor to put forward a plea in mitigation and to get you the lightest possible penalty and in most cases, try and avoid someone getting a jail sentence.' Picture: Dan Linehan

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026 - 01:00
Manon Gilbart

Limerick solicitors have warned of the risks of self-litigation among defendants, as the justice minister has said he will not reverse his plans to overhaul the criminal legal aid scheme.

Solicitors across the country have been withdrawing legal aid services en masse, as their dispute with Jim O’Callaghan continues to escalate after he introduced a new flat fee model on July 1. The new fee pays solicitors €520 per case regardless of the number of court appearances.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Unlimited access starts here.

Try from only €0.25 a day.

Cancel anytime

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

Whatsapp logo

WHATSAPP

Newsletter logo

NEWSLETTERS

Notification logo

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

Motorists warned of Cork traffic restrictions during EU Presidency fisheries meetings Motorists warned of Cork traffic restrictions during EU Presidency fisheries meetings
The offices of the National Lottery in Abbey Street, Dublin, Ireland. Cork city store which sold €1m Lotto ticket revealed as winner urged to come forward
Tributes paid to Cork-born garda killed in road collision while off-duty  Tributes paid to Cork-born garda killed in road collision while off-duty 
#Limerick - News
<p>Barry George, who spent eight years in prison after being wrongly convicted of the murder of TV presenter Jill Dando. File picture</p>

Cork man cleared of TV star Jill Dando murder gets trial date for alleged rape in 1987

READ NOW

Lunchtime News

Newsletter

Get a lunch briefing straight to your inbox at noon daily. Also be the first to know with our occasional Breaking News emails.

Latest

logo podcast

War of Independence Podcast

A special four-part series hosted by Mick Clifford

Available on
www.irishexaminer.com/podcasts

IE logo

Commemorating 100 years since the War of Independence

Most Read

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited