After eight years without change, County Court Scale Costs in Northern Ireland are due for a substantial increase. From 26 November 2025, the County Court (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2025 will implement a 23% rise in fees for both solicitors and counsel—the first update since 2017.
Why Is This Change Happening?
The revision follows an extensive consultation process and addresses the impact of inflation, which has steadily eroded the real value of legal fees. By aligning costs with current economic conditions, this update aims to restore fairness and predictability for both litigants and practitioners.
Key Changes for Solicitors
Here’s how the new scale compares to the old:
| Claim Value | Previous Fee | New Fee | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to £2,500 | £1,170 | £1,439 | +23% |
| Up to £10,000 | £2,463 | £3,029 | +23% |
| Up to £15,000 | £2,955 | £3,635 | +23% |
What About Counsel Fees?
Counsel fees will also rise by approximately 23%. For example, the fee for a £10,000 claim will increase from £579 to £712.
What Does This Mean for Practitioners?
- Greater Financial Stability: The increase helps legal representatives maintain affordability and sustainability.
- Regular Updates: A formal three-year review cycle has been introduced, reducing uncertainty and ensuring fees remain in line with economic trends.
- Positive Reception: Legal professionals have welcomed this long-overdue change, which reflects the realities of today’s economy.
This is a welcomed and embraced change for Northern Ireland Legal Practitioners. The change is long overdue with the fluctuation in the recent economy; a change was most definitely needed. This update marks a significant step toward maintaining fair compensation and predictability in Northern Ireland’s legal system. For practitioners and litigants alike, these changes bring clarity and stability to the cost structure of County Court claims.
