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A recent large-scale survey conducted by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism has revealed a troubling trend: nearly a quarter of Illinois lawyers reported being victims of workplace bullying within the past year. Of the over 6,000 attorneys surveyed, 24% indicated they had experienced some form of bullying, with the problem being more prevalent among women, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and younger attorneys.
Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Long-Standing, Under-Discussed Problem
According to the report, bullying within the legal profession is not a new issue, but one that is often overlooked. It remains a widespread problem across various practice settings. While substantial research has been devoted to stress, anxiety, and substance abuse among lawyers, relatively little has been directed toward the issue of bullying. The report defines bullying as the “improper exercise of power by one person over another,” typically manifesting in aggressive acts or comments intended to intimidate, humiliate, or control the victim.
Disparities in Bullying Among Different Demographic Groups
The survey revealed significant disparities in bullying based on gender, race, and age. Among female lawyers, 38% reported experiencing workplace bullying, compared to 15% of their male counterparts. The issue was also more prevalent among racial minorities, with 35% of Black lawyers and 34% of Hispanic lawyers reporting bullying, compared to 23% of white attorneys. Young lawyers between the ages of 25 and 35 were particularly vulnerable, with 39% reporting bullying, compared to just 12% of attorneys aged 66 to 75.
Forms of Bullying: Verbal Intimidation Tops the List
Lawyers reported experiencing various forms of bullying, with verbal intimidation being the most common. This includes insults, shouting, name-calling, and excessive criticism of work. Other forms of bullying mentioned include physical intimidation, cyberbullying, and, in some cases, physical contact.
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Who Are the Bullies?
The survey identified different sources of bullying in legal environments. Of the lawyers who experienced bullying, 33% reported that their bully was an external lawyer, 31% said the bullying came from a more senior lawyer within their organization, and 14% reported being bullied by a judge.
Underreporting and Fear of Repercussions
One of the report’s most concerning findings was that only 20% of the attorneys who experienced bullying chose to report it to a supervisor or human resources. The most common reason for not reporting was a fear of being perceived as weak or a complainer. This reluctance to speak out highlights the need for a cultural shift within the legal profession.
Recommendations for Combating Bullying in the Legal Field
The report outlines several recommendations for addressing workplace bullying in the legal profession. It advocates for the development and enforcement of anti-bullying policies in legal workplaces. Additionally, it calls for law schools to implement anti-bullying training programs and for courts to enforce policies that prevent bullying during litigation and court proceedings.
Erika Harold, the executive director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, emphasized the importance of setting higher standards for behavior in the legal profession. “As we have reached a societal consensus that bullying should not be tolerated in schools, the standards for adult behavior in the workplaces, conference rooms, and courtrooms where lawyers practice and seek to effectuate justice should be even higher,” she stated.
Conclusion
The findings of this survey shed light on a critical issue that has long affected the legal profession but has remained under-examined. With bullying disproportionately affecting women, minorities, and younger lawyers, it is clear that action is needed to create safer and more respectful working environments for all legal professionals. The recommendations offer a path forward, but addressing this pervasive issue requires a sustained effort from law firms, courts, and legal institutions.
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