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21 January 2026
Issue: 8146 / Categories: Legal News , Profession , Legal services , International , Human rights
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Law Society report details lawyers at risk

Disturbing real-life examples of lawyers harassed, disbarred or imprisoned for doing their job have been detailed in a Law Society report, ‘When lawyers are silenced’

The report, published last week, covers the types and impact of methods of repression. Examples include ongoing criminal proceedings against the leadership of the Istanbul Bar Association—accused of ‘terrorist propaganda’ after calling for an independent investigation into the deaths of journalists in Syria.

Law Society president Mark Evans said: ‘We call on governments to respect and protect lawyers’ rights in line with international law and to condemn all acts of violence, threats or reprisals against lawyers doing their job.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Clarke Willmott—Matthew Roach

Clarke Willmott—Matthew Roach

Partner joins commercial property team in Taunton office

Farrer & Co—Richard Lane

Farrer & Co—Richard Lane

Londstanding London firm appoints new senior partner

Bird & Bird—Sue McLean

Bird & Bird—Sue McLean

Commercial team in London welcomes technology specialist as partner

NEWS
What safeguards apply when trust corporations are appointed as deputy by the Court of Protection? 
Disputing parties are expected to take part in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), where this is suitable for their case. At what point, however, does refusing to participate cross the threshold of ‘unreasonable’ and attract adverse costs consequences?
When it comes to free legal advice, demand massively outweighs supply. 'Millions of people are excluded from access to justice as they don’t have anywhere to turn for free advice—or don’t know that they can ask for help,' Bhavini Bhatt, development director at the Access to Justice Foundation, writes in this week's NLJ
When an ex-couple is deciding who gets what in the divorce or civil partnership dissolution, when is it appropriate for a third party to intervene? David Burrows, NLJ columnist and solicitor advocate, considers this thorny issue in this week’s NLJ
NLJ's latest Charities Appeals Supplement has been published in this week’s issue
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