Justice shouldn't depend on a bank balance: Deirdre's wage-theft claim

Deirdre is facing a wage-theft claim. The hearing is scheduled for March, and the filing fees and the lawyer's retainer come to $2,150. Three legal-aid offices have said their waiting lists are longer than the deadline. Deirdre has all the paperwork ready, and a caseworker at the Cork Community Legal Centre has confirmed that the case is valid. If the deadline is missed Deirdre could lose the right to stay with the family and the job. The children were born here and this is the only home they know. The money goes to the immigration attorney's trust account and the court filing office. I'll upload receipts with sensitive details removed. Where the $2,150 goes: • Attorney retainer: $1,450 • Filing and biometrics fees: $350 • Certified translations and document copies: $250 • Court-appointed interpreter and travel: $100 I never thought I'd be the one asking, and I'm grateful for every bit of support.