Jon Burrows: “Victims must come first” as he urges Law Society chief to resign

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows, and (inset) Law Society Chief Executive David Lavery

Victims of crime must come before protecting professional reputations, Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows has said as he renewed calls for the Chief Executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland to resign.

The North Antrim MLA has written to Law Society Chief Executive David Lavery urging him to step down, arguing that public confidence in the legal profession has been damaged following his decision to provide a character reference for a convicted child sex offender.

Mr Burrows had previously called for Mr Lavery’s resignation during proceedings in the Northern Ireland Assembly in June. His latest intervention comes in the form of a formal letter setting out why he believes the Law Society requires new leadership.

‘Victims must come first’

In his letter, Mr Burrows says the decision to provide the reference represented “a profound lapse in judgement” and had undermined confidence in the leadership of the organisation representing Northern Ireland’s solicitors.

He wrote:

“Your decision to provide a character reference for a convicted child sex offender represents a profound lapse in judgement that has inevitably undermined confidence in your leadership.

“Those entrusted with leading the legal profession must be held to the very highest standards of judgement and public accountability. Trust in the profession rests in the hands of those who hold offices such as yours.”

Mr Burrows argued that confidence in the legal profession is particularly important for victims of sexual offences, many of whom already face significant barriers when reporting crimes.

“Public confidence in the legal profession is fundamental to the administration of justice.

“This is especially important for victims of crime, particularly victims of sexual offending, who often face significant barriers in reporting offences and pursuing justice. They must be able to trust the institutions that underpin our justice system.”

‘Confidence has been damaged’

The UUP leader said Mr Lavery’s decision to remain in post risked further undermining trust in both the Law Society and the wider legal profession.

He wrote:

“Your continued refusal to step aside is, in my view, damaging confidence in the Law Society, undermining trust in the wider legal profession and risking further discouragement of vulnerable victims from seeking the legal advice and representation they need.”

Concluding the letter, Mr Burrows said leadership carries both authority and responsibility, arguing that accountability was now required.

“Leadership carries responsibility as well as authority. When confidence in a leader’s judgement has been fundamentally eroded, the proper course is to accept accountability and allow the organisation to move forward under new leadership.

“For those reasons, I urge you to reconsider your position and resign as Chief Executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland without further delay.”

Mr Burrows has maintained that, in matters affecting confidence in the justice system, the interests of victims should take precedence, saying accountability is necessary where public trust has been weakened.