Legal staff ‘victims of violence at work’

Almost a fifth of pros- ecutors and four out of ten criminal defence lawyers have been the victim of violence as a result of their job.

Research by the law society of scotland revealed about one in eight solicitors had suffered an attack linked to their work – while a third had been threatened in some way.

more than 1,100 solicitors across the country were questioned for the survey, the first of its kind in scotland.

It comes after veteran solicitor Joe shields, 63, was attacked outside Glasgow sheriff Court in July, suffering a horrific wound to his face. the survey revealed 40 per cent of criminal defence solicitors, 25 per cent of family lawyers and 19 per cent of prosecutors had been victims of violence.

only a fifth of attacks had been reported to the police, according to the research.

Nine out of ten violent incidents took place either within lawyers’ offices, or a court or tribunal setting, with clients and former clients responsible for more than 60 per cent of such assaults.

more than a quarter (27 per cent) of solicitors had received threatening communications – with 70 per cent of defence lawyers, 54 per cent of family lawyers and 61 per cent of prosecutors having suffered threatening behaviour.

Alison Atack, President of the law society of scotland, said: ‘I am extremely alarmed by the survey findings. People often turn to their solicitor for help and advice when they are going through very stressful and difficult times in their lives.

‘It’s vital solicitors feel safe and secure while carrying out their duties. there should be no tolerance of any threat of violence towards legal professionals, or anyone providing a service to the public.

‘We are aware the scottish Government Justice secretary intends to strengthen the rights of victims and witnesses of crime.’

the law society has drawn up recommendations aimed at improving the safety of solicitors and other legal professionals and to build a ‘no tolerance’ culture across the legal and justice system.

Recommendations include increasing the number of incidents reported to the police.

It is also hoped to introduce safety apps, personal alarms or a buddy system, particularly for sole practitioners.

‘No tolerance of any threat’