Pro-Israel Lawyers Investigated for Alleged Legal Intimidation

An investigation has been launched into the actions of the pro-Israel organization, UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), following a complaint alleging that the group has used legal threats to suppress support for Palestine. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is examining claims that UKLFI sent a series of letters to individuals and organizations between January 2022 and May 2025 that were intended to intimidate and silence those advocating for Palestinian solidarity.

The complaint was submitted by the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) and the European Legal Support Center, which allege that UKLFI’s correspondence constitutes “serious breaches” of the SRA’s principles and code of conduct. A spokesperson for the SRA confirmed that an investigation is underway and that decisions regarding potential next steps will follow.

Allegations of Vexatious Legal Correspondence

Founded in 2011, UKLFI aims to utilize legal expertise to combat Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) efforts and challenge what it perceives as the delegitimization of Israel. Its stated mission includes advocacy and legal research in support of Israel and its affiliates.

According to the complaint, UKLFI has engaged in what are described as “strategic lawsuits against public participation” (SLAPPs). These lawsuits are intended to restrict freedom of expression on matters of public interest. One notable instance cited in the complaint involved a letter sent by Caroline Turner, a director at UKLFI, to the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh. The centre had planned to host a Palestinian film festival in May 2025 in collaboration with Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland.

UKLFI’s letter asserted that the festival was “inherently antisemitic and anti-Zionist” and warned that it could lead to a referral to the Scottish charity regulator, demanding the cancellation of the event.

Another letter from Turner was directed at the Cornelius Cardew Concerts Trust, which organized a concert titled “The World Stands With Palestine” scheduled for November 2024 at a London college. The concert was designed to feature new music that responded to the struggles of the Palestinian people. UKLFI’s communication claimed that the concert aligned with the viewpoints of Hamas and suggested that it could breach the Terrorism Act 2000. Following the letter, the college cancelled the concert.

Response from Legal Advocates and UKLFI

Paul Heron, the founder of PILC, emphasized the potential chilling effect of UKLFI’s actions on public discourse, stating, “UKLFI are acting in a manner that chills public participation and intimidates those who stand in solidarity with Palestine.” He urged the SRA to uphold professional standards and protect civil society from such intimidation.

The SRA defines SLAPPs as a form of abusive litigation that can undermine freedom of expression and misuse the legal system. UKLFI has responded to the allegations, claiming they are unfounded. In a statement, the organization noted, “We are accused of writing vexatious and baseless letters, and the complainants say they have acquired eight examples from a period of over three years.”

UKLFI further explained that since October 2023, it has been approached with numerous requests for assistance from Jewish individuals concerned about various issues, including those related to medical services, education, and the arts. The organization stated that it aims to address concerns about creating an intimidating environment for Jewish individuals, responding appropriately to relevant organizations when necessary.

As the investigation by the SRA continues, the implications of this case may extend beyond legal practices to broader discussions about freedom of expression and the dynamics surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.