Law Society Council passes motion on abuse against solicitors

Movement on violence and threats in opposition to solicitor

Council notes with concern the growing reviews of threats, harassment and abuse in opposition to Regulation Society members as they undertake their skilled obligations as Scottish solicitors.

• Council believes any and all types of abuse, together with that referring to race, gender, non secular intolerance and sexual orientation, are wholly mistaken and needs to be condemned, and that each one solicitors ought to be capable to work, free from worry and intimidation.
• Council believes that, as a occupation, we needs to be united in providing public solidarity to members who’re the victims of such abuse.
• Council appreciates the misery and trauma brought on by threats, harassment and abuse in addition to the impression that this could have on the psychological well being of our members.
• Council expresses its full assist for these members who’ve been the victims of abuse and recognises the significance of the Regulation Society as an expert physique in each aiding members and signposting to different related areas of assist.

Council subsequently agrees to:

• Assist our members and name out all types of intimidation and derogatory language which may incite abuse in opposition to the authorized occupation as unacceptable, irrespective of the place that abuse comes from.
• Proceed to work intently with LawCare because the principal wellbeing charity for the authorized group and to undertake additional work to make sure the providers supplied are communicated extensively to the occupation.
• Search to raised quantify ranges of abuse and intimidation by means of the upcoming Profile of the Occupation survey, as prioritised within the 2022/23 working plan.
• Use that up to date information to contemplate what adjustments could also be required to the Lawscot Wellbeing programme and seeks an government report again to Council as soon as this evaluate is full.