Concerns have been raised after 66 percent of solicitors polled in a recent survey said they had been subjected to some form of threat or abuse.
In response the Law Society, which represents solicitors across the north, has launched a solicitor safety toolkit for its members.
The survey, which was carried out in February, sought he opinions of solicitors in response to reports of attacks on against them in the course of their work.
Around 480 solicitors responded to the survey with many reporting various types of threats and attacks.
These included incidents of physical threats or attacks, 56 percent, and verbal abuse, 71 percent.
In some cases the threats came directly from existing clients, 35 percent, former clients, 18 percent, and from the relatives of clients, 9 percent.
The survey shows that 70 percent of those who responded did not report the incident with 59 percent saying they “did not think it would make a difference”.
Almost half of respondents, 48 percent, felt their personal safety or that of their family was at risk resulting in them putting in place safety measures.
Two respondents confirmed they had even moved home while others considered the option. In total 17 percent said they considered leaving their practice area or role.
In total, 58 percent of respondents highlighted a negative impact on their wellbeing, with many reporting stress and anxiety.
The Law Society has now established a Solicitor Safety Group and engaged directly with justice minister Naomi Long.
She has been asked to introduce legislative reform to recognise solicitors as frontline workers and make attacks against them a statutory aggravating factor in sentencing.
Mark Borland, president of the Law Society, raised his concerns.
“Intimidation directed at solicitors and their staff is on the increase and the impact of this on their health and wellbeing is concerning,” he said.
