The Law Society has continued it’s vocal support of solicitors in the midst of the UK riots after legal professionals and firms have become the target of threats, with one firm closing it’s doors after ‘threats of far right violence to staff’.
Many firms in the country are reported to be on high alert as unrest spreads across the nation. Over 400 arrests have been made since the riots began and protestors have started to target law firms, primarily but not exclusive to those who specialise in immigration. The Prime Minister held a COBRA meeting yesterday after plans for widespread public disruption failed to come to fruition.
Legal Cheek has reported that at least one law firm has had to close after claiming ‘far right violence’ toward staff after a list of 39 companies were widely shared on social media platform X with the message: ‘Wednesday night lads. They won’t stop coming until YOU tell them. No more immigration 8PM. Mask up’ – alongside a set of flame emojis.
The Law Society has extended thanks to the government and commended peaceful protest.
Law Society of England and Wales president Nick Emmerson said: “We are continuing to support our members and have been contacting the solicitors’ firms and advice agencies on the target list to ensure they are safe following the planned riots yesterday.
“We thank the UK government and the police for their efforts and support in recent days to keep solicitors and legal advice centres safe. The threats have been incredibly distressing for those targeted.
“We also commend those in the community who came out to peacefully defend their local area and businesses last night.
“These threats against our legal profession were an attack on our democratic values.
“Now is the time for our country and our leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the rule of law. They must ensure that all those who have committed crimes in recent days face swift justice.”
The riots began after a vigil was held to honour the lives of three little girls who were brutally killed after attending a Taylor Swift themed dance class. As a result of disinformation following the fatal stabbing, widespread rioting and looting ensued across the UK. Yesterday, John O’Malley and William Morgan were sentenced to five years behind bars for inciting unrest in Southport.
John O’Malley, 43, was among a group of up to 1,000 people involved in the disorder outside a mosque in the Merseyside town last Tuesday. He plead guilty and was recognised as central figure in whipping a ‘braying mob’ into a frenzy.
O’ Malley was sentenced alongside William Nelson Morgan, 69 and a semi-retired welder. He admitted violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon, which was a wooden cosh, in Liverpool on Saturday night.
Law society expresses concern for welfare of firms and legal professionals amid riots
