Legal Aid Engagement Paper – A Simpler Fairer Approach to Means Testing

Overview

Legal Aid in Northern Ireland helps people who cannot afford legal advice, or representation, get access to justice when they need it. A recent review by the Department of Justice found that the current system is slow, complex, and hard to understand. These barriers often stop people from applying for help.

The Department has looked at the feedback and identified ways to make the process simpler, faster, and fairer. This includes changes to financial eligibility rules so that more people who need support can get it. With your input, we want to explore these ideas together.

In this paper, we outline the current system, explain why change is needed based on evidence and feedback, and set out our initial thinking. These options are starting points for discussion. They are not final decisions.

We are asking for your views to help shape reforms that remove barriers and improve access to justice. Your insights will ensure any changes are practical, proportionate, and focused on delivering better outcomes for those who rely on legal aid.

Why your views matter

Your views matter. The engagement paper sets out options to make legal aid simpler, faster, and fairer, so more people can access justice when they need it. These proposals are not final decisions—they are starting points for discussion. By sharing your insights, experiences, and evidence, you can help shape reforms that remove barriers, improve fairness, and ensure legal aid works for everyone. Your feedback will directly influence how these options are developed and implemented.