A number of cases listed for trial from 12 March to 10 June have been adjourned and face considerable delay.

Given the substantial cash flow challenges this presents for practitioners, the Law Society has spoken to the Department of Justice & Equality about measures to alleviate difficulties.

The Department will now pay a one-day hearing (Junior Counsel) fee in respect of all trials and hearings in the Circuit Court, Central Criminal Court or Special Criminal Court  listed from 12 March 2020 to 10 June 2020 which have now been adjourned due to COVID-I9.

In order for claims to be processed, they must be accompanied by a completed LA8 form.

Nominate

The Courts Service has advised that, in the current situation, the presiding judge in each court will adjourn all trials to a future date and will nominate a member of staff to deal with all queries on  LA8 forms.

Contact details for phone and email will be provided.

Practitioners should ensure that the LA8 form is then signed by both solicitor (and counsel where appropriate), scanned and returned to the relevant court office by email, when it will be processed as quickly as possible.