The Minister for Justice has said he will not back down in a row with solicitors over legal aid. Yesterday, criminal solicitors began a two day work stoppage in protest at the introduction of a €520 flat fee for criminal legal aid cases heard in the District Courts. However, despite his willingness to meet with the Law Society, Minister O’Callaghan said that he remains committed to a flat fee. “The flat fee is going to stay - okay,” he insisted. Main image: Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan.