As part of its continuing work to protect members from harassment, threats and intimidation, the Law Society of Northern Ireland will meet with both the Justice Minister Naomi Long and PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher next week.
These meetings, scheduled for 28 and 31 July respectively, follow the establishment of the Law Society’s Solicitor Safety Group and are a key milestone in the wider solicitor safety campaign launched last month.
The meetings will be attended by two solicitor members of the Solicitor Safety Group who have experienced sustained abuse and who will speak directly to the Minister and Chief Constable about their experiences.
At the meetings, the Law Society will continue its call for:
- Recognition of solicitors as frontline workers,
- Use of the new Sentencing Bill to provide for stronger sentencing for those who threaten or intimidate solicitors,
- A presumption against suspended sentences where the victim is a solicitor, and
- A named PSNI liaison for each Local Solicitors Association.
President Colin Mitchell and CEO David Lavery will also be in attendance. Colin said: “This is a matter of justice as well as safety. When solicitors are attacked, the rule of law is under threat. We are bringing this issue to the top to demand real change.”
The meetings represent a critical step in the Society’s campaign to ensure members feel safe, supported and protected while carrying out their professional duties.
