Society says ratifying Luxembourg Convention would strengthen protections against threats, harassment and abuse targeting lawyers
The Law Society of England and Wales has renewed calls for the UK government to ratify the Luxembourg Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer, one year after the country signed the treaty.
In a statement, the Law Society described the convention as the first internationally binding agreement designed to protect lawyers from harassment, threats and discrimination. The organisation warned that delays to ratification risk undermining protections for legal professionals and weakening wider rule of law safeguards.
The treaty was adopted by the Council of Europe in 2025 and will only enter into force once eight states formally ratify it. Although the UK signed the convention shortly after its adoption, it has not yet completed ratification.
The Law Society pointed to growing concerns over threats faced by solicitors in England and Wales. According to research referenced by the organisation, nearly half of solicitors surveyed in 2025 said they or their firms had received threats or abuse. The Society also referred to the 2024 summer riots as an example of the risks lawyers can face while carrying out their professional duties.
Law Society president Mark Evans said lawyers were “on the front line of resolving everyday legal issues” and warned that the profession increasingly faces targeted threats and abuse.
He said ratifying the convention would provide “vital protections” that would allow legal professionals to continue supporting the public safely and independently.
Evans added: “The UK government has the opportunity to lead by being among the first to ratify it. Doing so would strengthen the UK’s global position as a jurisdiction of choice and a beacon of stability and the rule of law. It would encourage other countries to follow suit and stand up for justice.”
The Society said early ratification would also allow the UK to help shape the independent expert body responsible for overseeing compliance with the convention. Once ratified by the required number of states, the treaty will also be open to countries outside the Council of Europe.
The Law Society argued that formal ratification would demonstrate the UK’s continued commitment to protecting the independence of lawyers and maintaining confidence in the rule of law internationally.