COURT hearings across Dorset have been postponed today as barristers take part in a full-day strike.

It is the second this year as lawyers protest cuts to legal aid.

Hearings were postponed at Bournemouth’s Crown and Magistrates’ Courts as every defence lawyer – and many Crown Prosecution Service barristers – participated in the action.

January's half-day strike marked a historic first as British trial lawyers across the country objected to government cuts of up to 30 per cent to legal fees.

Self-employed barrister Nick Robinson said the strike has taken place as lawyers feel their concerns have been ignored by the Ministry of Justice.

The proposed reforms, which are due to come into force for trials starting from April onwards, would reduce the legal aid budget to an annual £1.5 billion.

The cuts are just one element of a broad government cost-cutting programmed aimed at reducing Britain’s budget deficit.

Me Robinson said people are often shocked at how much barristers earn – an average wage of £22,400.