Bullying in the Legal Profession

Bullying by lawyers is a long-known but little-discussed problem that exists in many practice settings. Bullying can negatively impact the quality of a lawyer's day-to day practice, emotional well-being, and physical health.  Bullying impedes an employer's ability to create effective and collegial work teams, retain talented lawyers, and maintain a culture that is inclusive and supportive of lawyers at all levels. 

To address the impact of bullying and find solutions to the problem, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism sponsored a systematic study based on extensive quantitative and qualitative responses from more than 6,000 Illinois lawyers.   The study spanned lawyers in all practice settings - law firms, corporate law departments, government, public interest and not-for-profit organizations, and the judiciary  and the Study's findings are applicable to wherever lawyers practice.

This first-of-its kind study offers myriad insights about the role of workplace culture and the impact of bullying on individual lawyers and the profession. One finding of particular concern: although bullying impacts lawyers from all backgrounds, bullying disproportionately impacts female attorneys, attorneys with disabilities, attorneys of color, younger attorneys, and LGBTQ+ attorneys.  Based on extensive analyses, the research speaks to specific best practices for leaders and employers to take to eliminate bullying and its pernicious effects.

Come hear study authors Stephanie Scharf and Roberta Liebenberg discuss their empirical work and their recommended best practices to combat bullying. With diversity initiatives under attack in higher education, and corporate and legal environments, it remains uncontroversial that workplaces should be inclusive and welcoming to all, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual identity and expression and abilities. We look forward to a frank discussion about bullying in the legal profession and how it can be effectively addressed by legal employers and individual lawyers.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Examine Bullying Dynamics: Examine the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism's study to grasp the extent of bullying in legal settings and its effects on workplace culture
2. Recognize Disproportionately Affected Groups: Identify demographic groups most affected by bullying, including insights into why these disparities exist
3. Implement Best Practices: Adopt recommended strategies from the study to prevent and combat bullying effectively
4. Foster Inclusive Workplaces: Explore how positive workplace culture enhances inclusivity, retention, and attorney well-being
5. Personal Anti-Bullying Strategies: Develop personal tactics to address bullying, advocating for self and peers to nurture a supportive work environment