Law Society reports systemic rise in threats, intimidation and violence against solicitors
The Law Society has warned that solicitors across multiple areas of practice are facing a marked escalation in threats, intimidation and, in some cases, physical violence. A new report published today concludes that such incidents are no longer isolated, describing the situation as systemic and increasingly common.
The findings are based on a survey carried out in August, which gathered 286 responses. More than a quarter of solicitors who took part said they had personally experienced threats or abuse in the past year, while a further 22% reported that threats had been directed at their firm or organisation. Many incidents were linked to current or recent cases, although some respondents said they were connected to national media coverage or public events.
According to the report, solicitors have observed a steady rise in hostile behaviour over the past three to four years. Nearly two in five respondents said they now feel their personal safety is at risk because of their profession. The figures were higher among those working in criminal law, social welfare law and dispute resolution, advocacy or litigation, where concerns about safety were particularly acute.
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The survey responses included detailed accounts of serious threats. One social welfare solicitor reported receiving threats of arson and harm to family members, as well as abusive messages wishing illness and death. Another respondent described a threat to burn down a law firm’s office. A property solicitor faced a threat of physical violence from a client who waited in the firm’s car park, while a lawyer in a childcare hearing reported that a witness attempted to attack them by jumping from the witness box.
The report noted that the cumulative impact of such incidents is affecting well-being, job satisfaction and retention. One in eight solicitors said they had considered leaving the profession because of safety concerns. The proportion was higher among female solicitors, those from minority backgrounds and those in the early or middle stages of their careers.
Respondents described a wide range of threatening behaviour, including verbal abuse, hostile emails and social media harassment. Several reported threats directed at family members, damage to personal property or stalking. Some threats also involved malicious reports to regulators such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Legal Ombudsman.
Opposing clients were cited as the most common source of threat, followed by former and current clients and members of the public. Nearly 60% of those who had experienced threats said their employer had taken steps to improve safety, such as enhanced cybersecurity, security protocols, or access controls. However, a fifth said their firm had not implemented any measures, while almost half of those threatened had not taken personal security steps.
The Law Society said firms could strengthen training, incident reporting processes and access to mental health support. Remote working was identified as a highly valued protective measure by newer solicitors.
Law Society president Mark Evans said solicitors must be able to carry out their work without fear of being targeted, adding that the organisation would continue to challenge harmful rhetoric, improve public understanding of the profession and advocate for stronger protections. He also urged the government to ratify the Council of Europe’s Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer.