Minister and MP 'align' on payment to appointed lawyers

Public defenders in Portugal may soon receive timely payments for their work, rather than waiting until the conclusion of lengthy legal processes. This follows a ruling by Judge Helena Susano, who declared the existing payment regulation unconstitutional. The Public Prosecutor's Office has supported this view, emphasizing the need for timely compensation to uphold the dignity of legal professionals. Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice announced the signing of a new regulation allowing interim payments for lengthy cases. This change aims to address the financial strain on public defenders who often wait years for payment, particularly in complex cases like the BES trial.