Protection for solicitors against targeted attacks

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07 Aug 2024
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We have serious concerns about the safety of some solicitors following the recent violence and messages shared on social media inciting potential attacks. We have outlined several safety precautions to consider if you feel that you or your organisation is at risk.

We deplore the violent scenes and rioting that we have witnessed across the country in recent days.

We have serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of solicitors following names and addresses of several firms and advice agencies being shared on a list of targets online. This includes the potential for further disturbance on the evening of Wednesday 7 August 2024.

Whilst we are not able to comment on the credibility of the threat, we are taking it seriously. We have:

  • contacted the law firms and organisations referenced in the post to ensure they are aware of the threat
  • contacted the Home Office, Ministry of Justice and the Metropolitan Police, who we understand are coordinating intelligence nationwide
  • written to the prime minister, lord chancellor and home secretary, with our president, Nick Emmerson, asking that the threats against the legal profession be treated with the utmost seriousness

We will continue to update our website and social media accounts, such as LinkedIn, with further updates when required.

If you have received a threat

If you have received a threat, report this to local police immediately and ask for further advice. Notify your security team or building manager.

Report anything suspicious to the police and, in an emergency, call 999.

Additional safety precautions to consider

If you believe that you, or your firm or organisation, are potentially at risk, please consider the following safety precautions:

  • work from home on Wednesday 7 August
  • if you cannot work from home and are planning on travelling into the office, take extra care when entering and leaving the building and ensure you leave the office before 8pm
  • if attending the office, make sure you are not working alone and that you are aware of all points of entry and exit, including fire escapes
  • if possible, do not work close to a window and make sure all office windows are closed and doors are locked
  • review what information is available about you or your firm online, including considering whether it is appropriate to temporarily remove addresses or individual contact details
  • only take online appointments and meetings, or rearrange face-to-face meetings to a later date or safe location
  • consider removing physical files from the office that contain sensitive client information to protect the identities of clients
  • if visiting clients in asylum accommodation or detention centres, call ahead to check the situation is safe and make sure that others are aware of where you will be

Legal aid providers have the support of the Legal Aid Agency to take the action they feel necessary to protect the safety and security of staff and clients, such as:

  • reducing staffing in offices
  • temporarily closing offices

Wellbeing and mental health support

The recent events and threats are distressing, particularly for those directly involved and who work in areas of practice that might be at higher risk.

There are a range of wellbeing services available to you as a member of the Law Society and as a solicitor.

This includes the Law Society’s pastoral care helpline 020 7320 5795 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) and free, independent and confidential emotional support from LawCare:

Call: 0800 279 6888
Email: support@lawcare.org.uk
Online chat: www.lawcare.org.uk

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