Solicitors face surge in threats and intimidation, Law Society survey reveals

Law Society survey shows death threats, violence and intimidation faced by solicitors on the front line

A survey conducted by the Law Society has revealed the disturbing extent to which solicitors are facing death threats, intimidation and even physical violence. Almost half of practising solicitors reported that they or their firms had received threats in the past year, with many fearing for their personal safety due to the nature of their work.

The survey, which was conducted in August and received 286 responses, found that more than a third (38%) of solicitors felt their personal safety was at risk because of their profession. One in eight (13%) had even considered leaving the sector as a result of the mounting threats and aggressive behaviour they encountered.

One property solicitor described a terrifying experience where a client waited for them in the staff car park and threatened physical violence. Another solicitor, working in a childcare hearing, recounted a shocking incident where a party jumped out of the witness box to try to attack them. The survey also highlighted some firms’ proactive steps to enhance safety, with some installing panic buttons, thumbprint scanners, and policies to ensure employees are never alone at work.

Mark Evans, the president of the Law Society, commented on the findings, saying, “Like many public servants, the role of a solicitor is sadly not without risk. No one should have to deal with unacceptable behaviour simply because they are doing their job. However, this research shows that abuse, aggression and intimidation towards solicitors are alarmingly commonplace.”

Solicitors working in social welfare law reported some of the most distressing threats. One social welfare solicitor shared their experience of being threatened with having their house set on fire, harm to their family, and being told they hoped they would suffer from a terminal illness. Another solicitor in a similar field described threats to burn down their office. Such intimidation is not isolated, with the survey revealing that 139 of the 286 respondents had received threats.

The Law Society’s findings are part of a broader concern within the legal profession about the increasing hostility faced by legal professionals. Last month, the Law Society, the Bar Council, and representative bodies in Scotland and Northern Ireland jointly condemned the growing climate of hostility towards lawyers and judges. They pointed to “irresponsible and dangerous” politically motivated attacks on the profession, which they believe have weakened public trust in the rule of law.

The joint statement added that law firms and offices have increasingly been targeted by protesters, and they expressed concern over the rise in intimidation faced by those who uphold the justice system and democratic principles.

This latest survey comes amid an ongoing national conversation about the safety and treatment of professionals working in law, with the Law Society urging greater recognition and support for solicitors facing these challenges.