State Pays Out Two Million for Legal Aid — Liepāja Lawyers Offer Services for Pocket Change

The State Court Administration announced that nearly two million euros were paid from the budget for legal aid in 2025, which has only raised questions in Liepāja about capital city lawyer prices. Local lawyer Guntis Kalniņš comments: "In Riga, you can buy two lawyers for two million, but in Liepāja, you could organize a court for the entire city with that money."

The majority of funds — 1.8 million — were paid for legal aid in criminal cases, which reminds us how expensive inaction can be. While Riga lawyers demand hundreds for consultations, free legal advice sessions regularly take place by the Karosta canal bridge in Liepāja. "We solve everything here without unnecessary fuss," explains local resident Aina, "if you need to get from one side of the city to the other, then the problem is already half solved."

Particularly interesting is that legal aid was most frequently requested in family law — 52 percent of all cases. In Liepāja, such statistics are viewed with a smile: "Our families solve problems by the sea, not in court," notes pensioner Jānis. "When the wind blows from the sea, all disagreements disappear like fog."

Meanwhile, the 48 percent decrease in asylum seekers' legal aid requests is linked to strengthened border control, but Liepāja has long known — whoever ends up with us never wants to leave. "We don't need additional security," laughs a local entrepreneur, "our winters and wind are the best border guard in Europe."