The Utah State Bar is warning lawyers in the state about threats of violence as well as increasing instances of physical assault. More than 50 lawyers reported they have experienced some form of violence in a survey released by the Utah Bar.
With the increase in threats towards lawyers, some have decided to leave their jobs. Along with lawyers, judges are also among the people receiving threats and intimidation. Female judges and lawyers are also receiving more threats of physical and sexual violence compared to men.
Some lawyers described instances where they were met with violence, with one saying he was put on a “hit list.” Others described having their cars damaged, including instances of brake lines being cut. A “Molotov-type” bottle was even thrown through one office’s window.
Attorney Stephen Kelson, a lawyer in the state and participant in the survey, said that he was not taught how to deal with threats and violence in law school.
“Then suddenly you’re in the practice and you’re receiving threats,” Kelson said. “That has an effect upon the mental health of the attorneys.”
Threats leave lawyers all over Utah in a constant state of fear and prevent them from doing their job effectively, Kelson said. Some aspiring law students are choosing to switch majors out of fear.
Bar President Kim Cordova attributes the findings to changing cultural norms.
“People, I think, feel more entitled, or they’re more freely able to say things that are inappropriate and think that it’s OK as an expression,” Cordova said.
Author: Andrew Streeter
Photo courtesy of the Utah State Bar
Editor: Hannah Clove
news@suunews.net
