Letter to Prime Minister Theresa May and Secretary of State James Brokenshire regarding intimidation of lawyers in Northern Ireland

SUMMARY

With assistance from the Task Force on the Independence of Lawyers and Judges (William A. Wilson, III, Chair), the City Bar sent a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire expressing concern about the recent climate of intimidation that has been reemerging for lawyers in Northern Ireland.  In recent months, lawyers in Northern Ireland have reportedly faced threats and harassment for the legitimate performance of their professional duties. Government officials appear to have contributed to this climate of intimidation, both by failing to adequately intervene in response to these threats and by engaging in their own attacks on lawyers. The City Bar urges the government of the United Kingdom to take active steps to support and protect lawyers in Northern Ireland in the face of these threats.