The Social Value of Legal Aid: A Milestone Report

Monday 20 January 2025 marked a momentous occasion for the Law Society of Northern Ireland with the launch of the “Social Value of Legal Aid” report.

Speaking at the event, Law Society President, Colin Mitchell, highlighted the importance of legal aid as a cornerstone of the welfare state and thereafter reinforced the importance of changing the public narrative from one which is ‘overly focused on costs and payments to solicitors towards one which acknowledges, understands and appreciates the social value generated by legal aid to families, communities and public services more generally.’

Hosted in the historic surroundings of the Long Gallery in Parliament Buildings, the event was attended by a number of MLAs keen to reinforce the critical role of legal aid in shaping a just society. Opening remarks were provided by Joanne Bunting, MLA and Chair of the Justice Committee who highlighted the crisis facing legal aid services all across the region. Ms Bunting reiterated her concerns for the profession explaining how solicitors are struggling to keep a work life balance, recruit new staff and handle challenging cases while juggling the demands of practice in an uncertain and inadequate funding environment.

Ms Bunting remarked, ‘Legal Aid is more than just a publicly funded service provided by legal practitioners, it is a lifeline for countless individuals navigating complex legal challenges. Without adequate funding, legal aid is facing a cliff edge. Today’s report evidences the significant long-term benefits of having a properly resourced legal system.’

The research commissioned by the Law Society and carried out by Rocket Science Consultancy, was presented by Dr Patricia O’Lynn, Head of Policy and Engagement at the Law Society. After laying out the context to the study, Dr O’Lynn explained key findings such as the gross return on investment into legal aid generates over £1 billion in return. Drilling this down to reflect the return on investment across three areas of legal practice - criminal, civil non-family and family - she highlighted that for every £1 invested in legal aid, up to £8.32 is generated in direct and indirect savings.

Taken as a whole, the report not only provides metrics of impact but also social and environment benefits which ensure access to justice for the most vulnerable in society. For instance, a key benefit of legal aid is that it helps to avert deeper social problems such as homelessness, family breakdown, and crime by enabling individuals to maintain employment, secure their liberty and ensure improved family relationships.

Notably, more than 75% of legally aided cases involve individuals facing significant socio-economic challenges. This figure details the pivotal role legal aid plays in upholding the principles of fairness and equality by empowering individuals to navigate complex legal systems and ensure access to justice. As the report confirms, the societal impact of legal aid extends far beyond courtrooms. Its influence resonates through schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods, fostering resilience and equity.

In a timely call to action, President Mitchell, reflecting on the findings, stated, “This report arrives at a pivotal juncture, as legal aid continues to face challenges from funding pressures. The data solidifies what we in the legal community have long known: that legal aid is not a cost but an investment in a fair and equitable society.”

The Law Society’s commitment to raising awareness around legal aid’s essential contributions will be amplified in the months ahead. Through strategic engagement with stakeholders — from policymakers to local community groups — our aim is to ensure that legal aid receives the recognition and support it deserves.

We also call on the legal profession to champion these findings in their practices and to continue advocating for accessible, fair legal resources for all. As legal practitioners, our shared responsibility is to uphold justice in its most practical and impactful form.

The ‘Social Value of Legal Aid’ makes a compelling case for the enduring importance of legal aid in Northern Ireland. As we celebrate its launch, let us also renew our commitment to a future where justice is accessible to all, irrespective of their means.

We look forward to further discussions and collaborations arising from this milestone publication. Together, let us ensure that the social value of legal aid remains at the forefront of our shared pursuit of justice.

For more insights, visit our website or connect with us at upcoming Law Society events.