New Solicitors’ Hourly Rate in Northern Ireland – Effective 1 June 2025
The Taxing Office of the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland has confirmed a significant increase to the guideline solicitors’ hourly rate used in the taxation of costs. This update will have meaningful implications for insurers, defendants, and claims professionals involved in litigation across Northern Ireland.
A summary of the Taxing Masters’ notification on the Solicitors hourly rate Northern Ireland:
- New Rate: £155.00 per hour (up from £102.00)
- Effective From: 1 June 2025
- Applies To: All professional time incurred on or after 1 June 2025
- Duration: The new rate will remain in place until 1 April 2027
This 52% increase follows a long-overdue review—the first since 2014. The review was commissioned by the Lady Chief Justice and led by a working group chaired by Mr Justice McAlinden. BDO Northern Ireland provided an independent, evidence-based analysis on the cost of operating a solicitor’s practice, which was accepted as the foundation for the new rate.
It is important to note that this figure represents a basic guideline rate. As always, the Taxing Master retains discretion to apply uplifts for care, skill, and attention, with routine cases often attracting a 50% uplift.
Also Announced:
- The Legal Executive rate will rise from £76.50 to £116.25 per hour.
- Current rates will continue to apply to all work undertaken before 1 June 2025.
- Further work is planned to establish a system for inflation-based adjustments in future reviews.
For official details, see the Taxing Office Notification (PDF).
Insights from the Law Society President
Colin Mitchell, President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, issued a statement welcoming the increase, highlighting that the review followed extensive lobbying by the Society. He noted the involvement of 131 firms who contributed financial data through a BDO NI-led survey, resulting in a commercial and independent assessment that underpinned the final rate.
Mr Mitchell thanked members and stakeholders, emphasising that the increase reflects the real cost of operating a solicitor’s practice and offers long-overdue recognition for the profession.
Comments from the Taxing Master
The Taxing Master confirmed:
- The new rate of £155 per hour applies prospectively only from 1 June 2025 and will not apply retrospectively.
- For work undertaken up to and including 31 May 2025, the previous rate of £102 per hour remains in effect.
- The determination was guided by the High Court in Donaldson v EHSSB and informed by the work of the McAlinden-chaired Working Group and BDO NI’s independent analysis.
- The rate will be reviewed periodically with a view to incorporating inflation-based adjustments in future.
What This new Solicitors hourly rate Northern Ireland Means for Insurers and Claims Professionals
This change will directly cost reserves in litigation in Northern Ireland. Insurers and claims handlers should consider the potential increase in due course and consider amending reserves.
Need Advice?
If you require guidance on how these changes may impact your current or upcoming matters, please contact a member of our Insurance Litigation Team at Lacey Solicitors. We’re here to help you navigate the evolving legal cost landscape in Northern Ireland.
