“Intimidation directed at solicitors and their staff is on the increase and the impact of this on their health and wellbeing is concerning”
Nuala McMahon, Law Society Policy Officer, and Mark Borland President of LSNI(Image: PressEye)
Two-thirds of solicitors in Northern Ireland have been subjected to threats or abuse at work, with many fearing for their own safety and that of their families, according to stark new figures.
A survey by the Law Society of Northern Ireland found that 66 per cent of respondents had experienced some form of intimidation, ranging from verbal abuse to physical attacks.
A total of 70 per cent said they did not report the incidents, with the majority believing it would make no difference.
The findings, based on responses from 480 solicitors, lay bare what the Society has described as a growing crisis within the profession.
The survey suggests the impact is both widespread and severe. More than half of respondents (58 per cent) said threats or attacks had negatively affected their wellbeing, with reports of stress, anxiety and hyper-vigilance.
Almost half (48 per cent) said they felt their personal safety, or that of their family, was at risk. Some reported installing security cameras, while others considered moving home, and a small number said they had already done so.
The nature of the abuse is also significant. Around 71 per cent of respondents reported verbal abuse, while 56 per cent said they had experienced physical threats or attacks. Incidents were most commonly reported in offices (61 per cent), but also occurred in courts, public spaces and online.
In many cases, the source of the abuse was close to home. More than a third (35 per cent) said threats came from existing clients, with further incidents involving former clients (18 per cent) and relatives of clients (9 per cent).
The survey also found that more than half of respondents (52 per cent) had experienced a threat or incident within the past year alone, with many reporting repeated occurrences.
The impact is beginning to affect the profession itself. One in five solicitors (21 per cent) said the threats had affected their ability to do their job, while 17 per cent said they had considered leaving their role or area of practice altogether.
In response, the Society is launching a new safety campaign and has established a dedicated Solicitor Safety Group. It has also introduced a “Solicitor Safety Toolkit” aimed at helping legal professionals manage risks in their work and personal lives.
The organisation has engaged with justice bodies including the PSNI, the Public Prosecution Service and the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service to coordinate a response.
It has also written to Justice Minister Naomi Long calling for legal changes, including recognising solicitors as frontline workers and strengthening sentencing for attacks against them.
Law Society President Mark Borland said: “Intimidation directed at solicitors and their staff is on the increase and the impact of this on their health and wellbeing is concerning.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
