In August 2024, the Bar Council responded to the far-right racist riots and threats in England. 

Lawyers were targeted and immigration lawyers, in particular, were warned to take extra security measures or stay away from work amid threats that far-right extremists were going to target their law firms and homes. Legal groups blamed political attacks over the last few years on the profession for fuelling abuse. In response to the news that rioters were posting addresses of pro-migrant law firms and institutes that deal with migration matters to target them, the Secret Barrister wrote on X: “This has been enabled by years of politicians pumping out hate against “lefty lawyers”, spreading the message that there is something wicked and shameful in representing individuals against the state.” 

This page was created in response to the news reports to provide information and support to barristers.

Published: 7 August
Last updated: 22 August  

The incidents of racist and Islamophobic violence and rioting are to be utterly deplored. The Bar Council stands with the Law Society in its request to the Government asking that the threats against the legal profession are treated with the utmost seriousness.

The Chair of the Bar Sam Townend KC has written to all members. Read Sam's statement.

We will continue to review the situation and update this page with information as needed.

If you have been threatened or targeted 

If you have received a threat in-person or online, report this to local police immediately and ask for further advice. Notify your colleagues, security team or building manager where appropriate.

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

Court and tribunals information

If you have concerns about attending any court or tribunal in-person tomorrow (Thursday), the current advice is to make an application to the court for you to attend remotely or for the hearing to be heard remotely. 

If you experience any difficulties, please contact us via email at [email protected] 

Update as at 19:00, Wednesday 7 August: Today we have been in contact with HMCTS regarding safety and security around courts and tribunals in light of information being shared via social media. We have received the following update from an HMCTS spokesperson: 
 
“A small number of courts and tribunals have taken precautions to ensure all staff and users can travel home safely. Some hearings have been adjourned and will be relisted as soon as possible.”
 
HMCTS further information:

  • It’s not true to suggest hearings were abandoned mid-afternoon on Wednesday 7 August. Some cases were adjourned. 
  • Following reporting of imminent unrest in local areas, we decided to close a small number of courts and tribunals to allow staff and other users to travel home safely.
  • We have established systems/processes in place for making assessments and managing risks.
  • We'll always take action based on credible intelligence, and we have links with police to help us in this.
  • Local teams will assess intelligence and take decisions about buildings, in the interests of safety.
  • Judges will take decisions about hearings including whether video hearings are appropriate. All decisions will be made in the interest of justice
  • Our staff and judges continue to work to deliver justice.

Resources

Health and safety

For suggested safety measures, please visit the Law Society website.

For risk assessments and other information, visit the health and safety library of resources.

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.

We have resources and helplines available to barristers through our personal support page.

This includes the LawCare helpline 0800 279 6888 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) and free, independent and confidential emotional support from LawCare:

Call: 0800 279 6888
Email: [email protected]
Online chat: www.lawcare.org.uk

The assistance programme with Health Assured is a confidential 24/7 service available to support barristers, pupils, IBC or LPMA members on 0800 169 2040. More information is available on our Wellbeing at the Bar website.

If you're an employed barrister, you may have access to a separate assistance programme.

"We all hope for a quick resolution to this terrible situation, and we will keep you informed of any further developments. Please take care of yourself, colleagues in chambers, your family and others at this difficult time."

– Sam Townend KC