In March 2025, Keystone Law’s London headquarters was vandalized by activists due to its representation of U.S. defense contractor Teledyne, which had obtained a court injunction against the protest group Palestine Action. This incident reflects a growing trend: law firms are increasingly becoming targets of activist reprisals, not just their clients.
Security experts warn that lawyers are now perceived by some protest groups as complicit in their clients’ actions. In response, top firms are adopting safety protocols such as remote work, altering commute routines, and enhancing office security.
Former police officers advise that law firms dealing with high-profile or controversial clients—especially in areas like defense or fossil fuels—should strengthen relationships with law enforcement, invest in physical security, and prepare for protest-related disruptions.
Social media has amplified the reach and impact of activist actions, making law firms more vulnerable to reputational and physical threats. Despite legal injunctions, groups like Palestine Action and Extinction Rebellion continue to carry out bold demonstrations against firms like Keystone and A&O Shearman.
As political polarization deepens, experts suggest law firms update their business continuity plans and recognize that legal representation itself is becoming a flashpoint in public protest.