They signed a set of principles, ‘Tackling counter-inclusive misconduct through disciplinary processes’, which acknowledge it is still harder to progress to senior levels in the legal profession if you are a woman, from an ethnic minority background, LGBTQ+, or from a low-income background. They committed to ensuring training, procedures and policies are in place to enable them to impose sanctions that make clear the seriousness of sexual misconduct, racial or other discrimination or bullying.
Matthew Hill, LSB chief executive, said: ‘We will work together to tackle and stamp out exclusionary conduct, including inappropriate banter, bullying and sexual misconduct.’
Alison Kellett, President of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, said: ‘The Tribunal will impose sanctions that reflect the seriousness of the misconduct found proved in cases involving sexual misconduct, racial or other discrimination or bullying.’