GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK’s) UK general counsel has been forced to move out of his home as a result of of threats by controversial animal rights activists – unwel-come news that has understandably sent a shudder down the spines of in-house lawyers at pharmaceutical companies.

The news has spread quickly, with corporate counsel at some of the UK’s largest companies questioning whether they will be next, and whether the safety precautions they take are sufficient.