Barristers increasingly reporting bullying, harassment and discrimination, research finds
The Bar Council has committed to addressing “inappropriate and abusive behaviour” after publishing the findings of its research into bullying, harassment and discrimination within the profession.
The research, published yesteray (7 December), reveals that barristers have been “increasingly” reporting that they have experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment and discrimination, which has made their professional lives more difficult.
The Bar said the behaviours reported are observed “across the profession” and involve judges, barristers, chambers’ staff, solicitors, as well as court staff.
Data from the Bar’s most recent biennial survey revealed that 44% of respondents said they had experienced or observed inappropriate behaviour while working either in person or online - representing an increase from 38% in 2021 and 31% in 2017.
“Inappropriate behaviour at the Bar can include pejorative or demeaning language, intimidating or bullying behaviour, unwanted attention, unwanted physical contact, sexual harassment and serious abuse, inappropriate comments, online abuse, or sexist, racist and ableist behaviours”, the Bar Council said.
The research revealed that those more at risk of bullying, harassment and discrimination are women, people of colour, younger and more junior members of the Bar.
Barristers with caring responsibilities or a disability also reported being disproportionately affected.
Those who are complained about are “generally those in a position of power or influence” and include judges, more senior barristers, senior clerks, and practice managers, according to the report.
The research found the main reason given for not reporting incidents of bullying, harassment or discrimination was fear of repercussions.
In response to the findings, the Bar Council has committed to address inappropriate and abusive behaviour by commissioning a review that will consider and identify solutions, “specifically to identify prevention and mitigating strategies”.
The organisation said: “The Bar Council believes this is a systemic issue; it is in part a consequence of both the culture of the Bar, and the external pressures placed on professional life at the Bar.
“Unrealistic expectations, impatience and frustration can be experienced as bullying. Discrimination and harassment, however, cannot be explained or excused by external pressures.”
Nick Vineall KC, Chair of the Bar Council, said: “The Bar should not tolerate any bullying, harassment or discriminatory behaviour. Wellbeing, retention and progression of barristers are all affected by the way we are treated by colleagues and the Bar Council is committed to addressing the problems highlighted by the data.”
Lottie Winson