The Law Society of Northern Ireland has taken further steps to address the growing number of threats, harassment and intimidation incidents affecting members of the legal profession.

This past week, the Law Society held two high-level meetings, first with Justice Minister Naomi Long, and subsequently with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, as part of our effort to press for stronger protections and practical support for solicitors.

At Stormont, the Law Society set out a series of proposed legislative reforms, including:

  • Statutory recognition of solicitors as first responders for justice;
  • The explicit inclusion of attacks on solicitors as aggravating factors in sentencing;
  • A statutory presumption against suspended sentences in such cases; and
  • Powers to challenge unduly lenient sentences in magistrates’ courts.

The Justice Minister was joined by senior officials to hear directly from solicitors who have been affected. The Law Society welcomed the Minister’s willingness to engage and noted her strong record on legislative initiatives addressing stalking and violence against women and girls.

Later, the Law Society met with the PSNI Chief Constable to reinforce the urgent need for a consistent and coordinated policing response when solicitors report threats or abuse. The Law Society was encouraged by the seriousness with which the concerns were received and by the commitments made to explore more structured support for the profession. Further engagement with senior officers is expected in the coming weeks.

At both meetings, practising solicitors who have been directly impacted by threats and harassment were present to share their experiences. Their contributions were powerful and central to the discussions.

These meetings form part of a wider campaign led by the Law Society’s Solicitor Safety Group, which was established earlier this year in response to growing reports from members, particularly in family, criminal and legal aid practice. The Group’s remit includes identifying practical solutions, supporting affected practitioners, and informing the Law Society’s policy and advocacy work on this issue.

 

*Any solicitor who has been affected by harassment, threats or violence 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 work of the Group on Solicitor Safety.