Colin Mitchell

Solicitors who have faced direct threats or abuse in the course of their work have joined a new group on solicitor safety which has been established within the Law Society and held its first meetings earlier this month.

The Law Society has written to both the justice minister, Naomi Long, and the head of the PSNI, Jon Boutcher, to raise the growing pattern of hostility facing members of the legal profession.

Recognising solicitors as “frontline workers” in the upcoming Sentencing Bill, making attacks and harassment against solicitors in the course of their professional duties a statutory aggravating factor, has been identified as an urgent priority.

David Lavery CB, chief executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, said: “Recognising solicitors as frontline workers is not just symbolic — it is a necessary step to ensure they can undertake their professional duties without fear for their personal safety.

“It would also affirm the principle that no solicitor should be forced to choose between representing a client and safeguarding their family.”

Mr Boutcher, the PSNI chief constable, has been asked to meet with affected solicitors to discuss how officers can better respond to reports from solicitors of abuse or harassment.

Law Society president Colin Mitchell said: “No solicitor should feel unsafe doing their job.

“Harassment and intimidation have no place in our justice system, and the Law Society has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to any such behaviour directed at our members.

“This is not only a matter of professional safety, but also an access to justice issue. When solicitors are threatened, the justice system itself is undermined.”

He added: “This is not just about isolated cases. It is about a wider need to recognise the risks facing solicitors, particularly those handling contentious or high conflict matters, and to ensure they are not left to deal with such threats alone.

“When legal professionals are intimidated or threatened, it creates a chilling effect that can deter lawyers from taking on challenging cases, potentially denying justice to vulnerable clients.”

Any solicitor in Northern Ireland who has been affected by such incidents is encouraged to contact the Law Society confidentially at memberservices@lawsoc-ni.org.

All reports will be treated with complete confidentiality and used to inform the development of enhanced support measures.

Mr Lavery said: “The courage shown by colleagues in sharing their experiences has been both sobering and inspiring.

“The Law Society is committed to ensuring that legal professionals can carry out their vital work in safety and with appropriate institutional support.”