Civil Legal Services Appeal Panels reappointments

Justice Minister Naomi Long today announced the reappointment of members of the Civil Legal Services Appeal Panels.

The independent panel considers appeals regarding the granting of legal aid in civil cases.

Four presiding members, listed below, have been reappointed with effect from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2029:

• Ciaran Harvey
• Jim Kitson
• Charles Redpath
• Htaik Win

Four other members, listed below, have also been reappointed with effect from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2029:

• Johanna Higgins
• Steven Millar
• Anne Mullan
• Sean O’Hare

Presiding members are paid £350 per sitting and other members are paid £250 per sitting, which includes the preparation required and attendance at each sitting of the appeal panel.

The procedure for this appointment was not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland; however, insofar as possible, the principles of the Code of Practice for Ministerial Public Appointments in Northern Ireland were followed.

Notes to editors: 

1. The Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland (LSANI) is empowered to grant or refuse Civil Legal Services and there is a right of appeal against those decisions to the Civil Legal Services Appeal Panels.  The appeals include the refusal of LSANI to grant legal aid to bring or defend proceedings and the refusal to allow solicitors to instruct counsel or expert witnesses in a case for which legal aid has been granted.  There are currently eight panels and these reappointments will provide continuity of service to those panels.  
2. Media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office via  EMAIL
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