There is no place for bullying, harassment or sexual harassment at the Bar. Despite this fact and the work that has been done to date, misconduct continues to persist. But thanks to Baroness Harriet Harman KC’s independent review, commissioned by the Bar Council, that is about to change.
The review’s inception
In 2023, Bar Council research found that an increasing number of barristers were experiencing or witnessing inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour within their chambers, workplaces and in courts. Just under half (44%) of barristers surveyed said they had experienced or observed these behaviours while working over the previous two years, an increase from 38% in 2021 and 31% in 2017. Those who were more at risk were women, people of colour and junior members of the Bar, as well as Bar students. The majority of perpetrators were found to be those with power or influence, such as senior barristers, judges, senior clerks and practice managers.
The detrimental impact on those who witness or experience
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