The solicitors’ body has submitted written evidence to the House of Lords’ international agreements committee on the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyers.

It says the Law Society “strongly supports” the Convention, which it welcomes as “a major milestone in providing a framework which promotes the independence of the legal profession, aims to protect lawyers from threats, harassment and improper interference, as well as contributing to strengthening the rule of law”.

It goes on to highlight how the Convention is “particularly important in the context of Northern Ireland, where the historical context provides a stark example of the dangers faced by lawyers and the critical importance of safeguarding their independence and security”.

The document refers to the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane in 1989 as well as more recent instances where individuals have been castigated as “activists” or “lefty human rights lawyers”.

A spokesperson for the Law Society of Northern Ireland said: “The Society looks forward to the Convention being formally laid before Parliament.

“Its implementation will represent a significant and timely step forward in strengthening protections for lawyers and safeguarding the integrity of the justice system, ensuring that those who work to uphold justice can do so safely, independently and without fear.”