Bullying, harassment and sexual harassment is a problem at the Bar, according to a report led by Harriet Harman KC, the former MP and Solicitor General.
The independent review, which was commissioned by the Bar Council, found that there is a culture of “impunity” and “collusive bystanding” in the profession. Harman met with a range of people across the profession from law students and pupils to senior members of the judiciary, visited every circuit and received more than 170 written submissions.
Harman found that most victims thought it would be career ending to report bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. And the Bar’s competitive nature has meant that those wanting to progress are reluctant to complain, for fear that they will be labelled as a “troublemaker”.
This has led to a “cohort of untouchables”, said the the report, which advised that there needs to be a shift of the jeopardy from the victim to the perpetrator.
The report has made 36 recommendations to tackle the problems, which includes banning sexual relations between barristers and pupils and anyone undertaking work experience in their chambers.
Read the ROF report hereĀ
https://www.rollonfriday.com/news-content/bullying-and-sexual-harassment-rife-bar
