Italian judicial officials warn of staffing cuts and legal aid payment delays

Legal professionals and judicial leaders in Italy are raising alarms regarding systemic issues within the justice system, specifically concerning staffing shortages and legal aid administration.

In Milan, the President of the Court, Fabio Roia, and administrative leadership have warned the Ministry of Justice that drastic cuts to administrative personnel are putting services at risk. Following a ministerial decree, the Milan Court's authorized staff was reduced by approximately 21%. However, officials noted that actual staffing levels are even lower, with a current vacancy rate of roughly 30% compared to previous levels. These reductions specifically impact judicial officials and clerks, potentially hindering organizational renewal and PNRR objectives.

Separately, the Cosenza Bar Association has formally contested a ministerial circular regarding state-funded legal aid. Criminal defense lawyers report significant difficulties in collecting fees, noting that payments can be delayed by six months. The association argues that new requirements for lawyers to manage complex notification processes to various parties—including defendants without certified email—impose undue burdens and threaten both professional dignity and the right to defense for low-income citizens.