The Incorporated Law Society has called for the investigation into the murder of the Portadown solicitor, Ms Rosemary Nelson, to be conducted "to the highest possible standards". It is also supporting calls for an independent judicial inquiry into the murder 10 years ago of the Belfast solicitor, Mr Pat Finucane.
The council of the society unanimously passed a resolution at a meeting last Friday calling on the authorities to implement the remaining recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Finucane murder.
It drew attention to the UN "Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers", under which governments are obliged to ensure that lawyers are able to perform all their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference.