Lacey Solicitors is committed to keeping our insurer clients informed about key updates in Northern Ireland litigation. The Belfast Solicitors’ Association (BSA) Scale costs have recently been revised to reflect the new solicitors’ hourly rate, with important implications for personal injury claims, trial costs, and litigation management strategies.
Significant Increase in Solicitors’ Hourly Rate
On 29 April 2025, Master Moore issued a notification increasing the standard solicitors’ hourly rate from £102 to £155 per hour, effective 1 June 2025. This 52% increase, the first comprehensive revision since 2014, followed a review commissioned by the Lady Chief Justice and chaired by Mr Justice McAlinden, with input from 131 law firms and an independent cost analysis conducted by BDO Northern Ireland.
The new rate applies prospectively and will remain in place until 1 April 2027. Work undertaken before 1 June 2025 continues to be charged at the previous rate. Routine cases may attract uplifts of up to 50% for skill, care, and attention, with the Taxing Master retaining discretion to apply further adjustments where justified. The legal executive rate has also increased to £116.25 per hour, up from £76.50.
Updated BSA Scale Costs
The BSA Scale Guide, previously revised in 2016, has been updated to align with the new hourly rate. It now applies to personal injury actions settled after 5 January 2026, providing guidance on professional fees and trial costs. For cases proceeding to trial, the recommended additional fees are £1,330 per full day and £1,026 per half day, ensuring that solicitors are compensated for the extra work involved in complex proceedings.
While the guide provides a useful benchmark for most personal injury actions, it is not recommended for professional negligence, medical negligence, industrial disease claims, assault actions against the Crown, commercial litigation, or defamation. Solicitors should continue to maintain accurate time records and ensure that court orders specify taxation in default of agreement where costs are payable by the other party.
Implications for Insurers and Claims Professionals
The increase in BSA Scale costs and hourly rates has direct implications for insurers and claims handlers. Higher litigation costs will affect reserves, and it is essential for insurers to develop a proactive strategy to manage claims efficiently. This may include targeted approaches to certain law firms, early settlement initiatives, and overall litigation management aimed at reducing the frequency and cost of High Court proceedings.
By taking a structured and strategic approach, insurers can control costs, limit exposure, and ensure that claims are handled efficiently while complying with legal obligations.
Conclusion
The updated BSA Scale costs and new solicitors’ hourly rates mark a major development for personal injury and civil litigation in Northern Ireland. Solicitors, insurers, and claims professionals should familiarise themselves with these changes to ensure accurate cost recovery, effective litigation management, and proper financial planning.
Lacey Solicitors continues to monitor these developments closely, providing guidance to clients and insurers navigating the evolving litigation landscape in Northern Ireland.
