A propitious moment? Workplace bullying and regulation of the legal profession

Abstract

There is plenty of evidence that all is not well in the legal profession. Empirical studies have shown that lawyers have high rates of depression, the attrition rate for young women lawyers is alarmingly high, and the gender imbalance at the higher echelons of the profession is stubbornly persistent. These problems have attracted academic attention. However, despite widespread recognition, solutions to these difficulties remain elusive. This article considers the role 'workplace bullying' plays in this picture. There are a number of surveys of lawyers that indicate that workplace bullying is a feature of modern legal practice. It is plausible that if bullying is a significant element within the legal workplace, it may contribute to the difficulties set out above. Furthermore, if this is the case, it may be that effective initiatives that tackle it could make inroads in creating a happier and healthier profession. It is also possible that such changes could have a wider effect on the ways members of the public experience the justice system.