A new statewide survey of Utah attorneys shows that threats and harassment against legal professionals remain a persistent concern, with hundreds of lawyers reporting incidents ranging from intimidation and harassment to physical assault.
The findings were presented by attorney and mediator Stephen D. Kelson during the Utah State Bar’s Spring Convention in St. George in a report titled, Violence in the Utah Legal Community: Results of the 2026 Survey. The report compares responses from a similar statewide survey Kelson conducted in 2006 and highlights how threats continue to affect lawyers and the justice system.
“The survey shows that threats occur across the profession and are experienced by both men and women at relatively similar rates. What differs is the nature of the threats. Women reported a higher number of threats that were sexual in nature,” Kelson said.
He added that protecting the safety and well-being of judges and attorneys is essential to maintaining confidence in the justice system.
“Lawyers and judges cannot do their jobs effectively if they are worried about personal safety,” he said. “Ensuring that the people who carry out the work of the courts can do so without fear is critical to the integrity of the justice system and the public’s ability to resolve disputes through the rule of law.”
The 2026 survey received 1,593 responses from attorneys, representing 12.4% of the Bar’s 12,847 in-state members. Among those respondents, 703 reported experiencing threats or violence connected to their legal work, including 58 physical assaults. By comparison, the 2006 survey drew 904 responses from 6,832 attorneys. In that survey, 417 respondents reported threats or violence, and 63 reported physical assaults.
Exemplifying the reality of threats and violence experienced by Utah attorneys, when the 300+ attendees of the convention were asked to raise their hand if they had received threats related to their legal practice, nearly half of all attendees raised their hand. When asked how many had been the victim of an assault, more than 30 hands were raised.
Bar leaders said the data shows that while Utah has not experienced a recent fatal attack involving members of the legal profession, threats and intimidation still occur with concerning frequency.
“The safety and well-being of those who serve in the justice system matters deeply,” said Bar President Kim Cordova. “Judges on the bench and lawyers representing litigants often work in emotionally charged situations. Protecting their well-being is essential to maintaining a justice system that functions fairly for everyone.”
The survey found that the highest rates of threats or violence were reported by attorneys practicing in family law, criminal prosecution, criminal defense and general practice. These areas of law frequently involve high-conflict disputes or criminal allegations that can heighten emotions among those involved in a case.
Court security data reflects similar concerns. According to the Administrative Office of the Courts, Utah courts recorded 117 threats between 2023 and 2025. Most were written or electronic communications, with additional verbal or in-person incidents and several cases involving false emergency reports or the release of private information.
Legal professionals also point to the growing role of online hostility in escalating tensions surrounding court proceedings. Cordova said public discourse around legal matters is increasingly shaped by short clips, posts and headlines circulating online and on social media.
“People today are often exposed to pieces of information that may be taken out of context or presented in a way designed to provoke a strong emotional reaction,” Cordova said. “Before reacting or sharing something online, we encourage people to take a moment to ask whether they are seeing the full picture or whether they may be responding to clickbait, half-truths or misinformation.”
She added that judges and lawyers frequently cannot respond publicly to accusations or speculation because ethical rules limit what they can say about pending cases.
“That silence can sometimes be misunderstood,” Cordova said. “But the justice system depends on due process, fairness and respect for the rule of law.”
Bar leaders said the survey highlights the importance of continuing efforts to support the well-being and safety of attorneys and judges while maintaining public confidence in the justice system.
“The legal profession exists to serve the public,” said Bar Executive Director Elizabeth Wright. “Ensuring that those who administer justice can do their work safely and responsibly ultimately protects the integrity of the system and the people it serves.”
The Bar is using the survey findings to offer support to the safety and well-being of legal professionals. In the coming months, the Bar plans to provide a safety training program for attorneys and judges focused on recognizing and responding to threats, both in person and online. Bar leaders said the organization will continue examining the evolving landscape facing members of the legal profession and the realities attorneys and judges encounter in their day-to-day work and courtroom environments.
