How can my firm prevent a culture of bullying and harassment?
‘‘Working in the legal profession is often a highly pressurised environment. Our firm is keen to prevent a culture of bullying and harassment. Is there guidance available?’’
Bullying and harassment, or unfair discrimination against colleagues is strictly prohibited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) Code of Conduct for firms 2019, paragraph 1.6:
“You treat those who work for and with you fairly and with respect, and do not bully or harass them or discriminate unfairly against them. You require your employees to meet this standard.”
Firms must enforce this rule.
The SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors (2019), paragraph 1.5, also requires solicitors to uphold the same standard and managers must challenge poor behaviour:
“You treat colleagues fairly and with respect. You do not bully or harass them or discriminate unfairly against them. If you are a manager you challenge behaviour that does not meet this standard.”
‘Colleagues’ includes those formally employed by the firm. It also includes:
- contractors
- consultants
- barristers
- experts instructed by the firm
Firms should have systems, controls and proper supervision in place to make sure staff can raise concerns safely and confidentially and receive support on sensitive issues.
For more information, read our guidance on:
Read the SRA's:
Watch the on-demand webinar on how to manage microagressions.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article, it does not constitute legal advice and cannot be relied upon as such.
The Law Society does not accept any responsibility for liabilities arising as a result of reliance upon the information given.
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