Law Society of Northern Ireland launches campaign following increase in attacks on solicitors
The Law Society of Northern Ireland, which represents and regulates solicitors, has launched a new campaign to highlight the ongoing attacks on solicitors throughout the province, as well as a new initiative aimed at supporting solicitors and their staff.
It comes after the Society undertook a recent survey which highlighted that 66% of respondents have been subjected to some form of threat or abuse in the course of their work.
The survey was launched to its members in February 2026 in response to increasing reports of attacks experienced by solicitors whilst carrying out their professional duties.
The impact of the threats and attacks on solicitors has been significant with 58% of respondents highlighting that it had a negative impact on their wellbeing, with many reporting stress and anxiety.
As a result, the Law Society has established a Solicitor Safety Group, aimed at driving real change. The Society has also engaged directly with Justice Minister Naomi Long, requesting legislative reform to recognise solicitors as frontline workers and making attacks against them a statutory aggravating factor in sentencing.
In addition, the Society has pressed for the introduction of a statutory presumption against the use of suspended sentences in cases where an officer of the court is the victim of an attack.
Over the course of the last year the Society has also engaged widely with justice stakeholders, which has led to the creation of a Lawyer Safety Liaison Group consisting of representatives from the PSNI, PPS, NICTS and others, aimed at supporting a co-ordinated response to threats and attacks.
Responding to the findings, the President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, 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.”
Furthermore, the Law Society has this week launched the Solicitor Safety Toolkit providing a practical guide to managing personal safety risks at work, home and in other locations.
The Toolkit outlines how to identify risks, respond to threats and access support if incidents occur. It is designed for use by firms, individual solicitors, and support staff.