A solicitor has launched a High Court challenge against a controversial overhaul of criminal legal aid payments that has sparked widespread opposition from lawyers. John Quinn, of John M Quinn & Co Solicitors, is seeking to have the statutory instrument introducing the new payment model quashed.
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More than 500kg of cocaine has been discovered concealed inside frozen tuna at the port of St Petersburg, according to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). The agency said the drugs were found in a shipment of legally imported whole frozen tuna that had arrived from Ecuador. Officers used
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) must urgently improve the quality of its casework after an independent review found investigations were often unfocused, resources were wasted and the work of legal interns was not properly supervised. The review by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorat
Representatives from the Law Society of Northern Ireland appeared before the Justice Committee to provide evidence on the Sentencing Bill and to highlight the urgent need to protect solicitors from threats, abuse and attacks while carrying out their professional duties. The society called on elected
McCann FitzGerald LLP has announced the promotion of five senior associates, across the areas of disputes, construction, corporate and finance. Those promoted include Tim McGuinness (corporate), Lonán Collins (disputes), Philipp Kaufmann (disputes), Caoimhe Dunne (environment and planning) an
As the international legal community comes under increasing scrutiny over its response to the war in Gaza, a new episode of The Justice Edit from Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) explores some of the defining legal and democratic challenges confronting the international order. In a wide-rangin
Complaints to Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) rose by 45 per cent last year, with the watchdog saying the growing use of AI is increasing both the volume and complexity of cases. The DPC received 16,160 new cases in 2025, up from the previous year, while concluding 11,734 cases, a 1
Foot Anstey McKees is marking the first anniversary of its strategic tie-up with double digit growth, expanded capability and the announcement that it will move forward under the name Foot Anstey from 1 September 2026.
Our weekly round-up of human rights stories from around the world. Sudan's RSF committed crimes against humanity in el-Fasher, Amnesty says
Legal bodies have called for immediate investment to fix Ireland's civil legal aid system. The Oireachtas Justice Committee’s Report, published yesterday, highlights how vulnerable people, including victims of domestic violence, are struggling to secure legal representation. It also calls out
White House officials are considering whether Donald Trump could mark America’s 250th birthday with a mass clemency programme, reportedly dubbed “250 pardons for 250 years”. The proposal, which could be announced around the Fourth of July, has divided advisers, with some seeing it
Mullany Walsh Maxwells LLP has announced the appointment of Michelle Loughnane as partner in its litigation and employment law department. Ms Loughnane advises employers and employees on the full spectrum of workplace rights, compliance, and contentious business. She has developed a strong reputatio
As Ireland assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union, Sean McHale, deputy executive director and director of programmes at Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI), has argued that Ireland takes on the presidency at a time of significant geopolitical uncertainty, ongoing armed confli
David Andrews SC, barrister and former foreign affairs minister, has died at the age of 91. "Once known as 'the conscience of Fianna Fáil', he was a rallying-point for opponents of the leadership of Charles Haughey, one of Ireland’s most divisive figures.
DLA Piper has announced 12 promotions across its Ireland business. The promotions include six new legal directors, four new senior associates, one new senior transaction specialist and a new financial controller.

