PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR JUSTICE AND THE REFORM OF THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR Launch of the ‘Legal Aid Management System’ towards more accessible justice in a digital era

The Minister for Justice and the Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, has launched the ‘Legal Aid Management System’ (LAMS), a new digital platform aimed at making access to legal aid more efficient and citizen oriented. This platform will lead to a more modern, accessible, and transparent judicial system.

While addressing the launch which took place at the Public Service Expo Village 2025, Minister Attard reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening services offered to vulnerable individuals in need of legal assistance. This is demonstrated by an investment of nearly a quarter of a million euros in this project, funded under the NextGenerationEU programme.

“This step represents a clear vision towards justice as a right accessible to all, not a privilege for the few. The Legal Aid Management System is the result of extensive collaboration with various stakeholders and will minimize the barriers individuals face when seeking legal aid. Applications can now be submitted online or through servizz.gov hubs located in various localities across Malta, including Birgu, Żejtun, Birkirkara, and St Paul’s Bay,” explained Minister Attard.

The Minister further stated that this system will not only provide a more accessible and professional service, but also offer a robust tool to legal professionals for structured and transparent case management, while ensuring that the service remains humane and dignified.

Minister Attard also spoke about a 38% increase in the financial allocation for the Legal Aid Agency compared to the previous year, and the unprecedented investment in human resources, as the number of lawyers at the Agency increased from 24 to 56 to provide a more specialized and professional service.

“In the past year alone, over 2,000 requests for legal aid were made, with around 500 more in the first quarter of this year. This confirms that the service is both necessary and effectively reaching those who truly need it,” added Minister Attard.

The Minister concluded by thanking the Chief Executive Officer of the Legal Aid Agency, Bruno Zahra, all the employees involved, the lawyers and legal procurators, as well as the Permanent Secretaries whose dedication made this project a reality.

The Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Justice and the Reform of the Construction Sector, Johan Galea, spoke about the importance of public entities advancing in line with the digital era, noting that when technology is used well, it can greatly enhance efficiency and accessibility. He also stressed the importance of training and collaboration.

From his end, CEO of the Legal Aid Agency, Bruno Zahra, stated that the introduction of LAMS marks a clear step towards more accessible, modern, and efficient justice. “This is not just a technological project, but a platform with a human vision that places the citizen at the centre of the legal service. With LAMS, Legal Aid Malta is delivering a significant change in the public sector, where technology and core values of empathy, transparency, and competence come together to provide a truly dignified service,” concluded Mr Zahra.