The Law Society of NSW will today launch a new portal which deals solely with the issue of sexual harassment in the legal workplace, including steps that solicitors can take if they have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, discrimination or victimisation.

President of the Law Society of NSW, Juliana Warner, said the Sexual Harassment in the Law portal is an important component of the Society’s ongoing work to eliminate disgraceful and unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.

“I feel very strongly about keeping the spotlight on this issue and continuing to find ways to create more open workplaces, backed by the appropriate polices, reporting processes and support, and ultimately empower victims to speak out without fear of negative repercussions,” Ms Warner said.

"Everyone has the right to feel safe and supported in their workplace.

"As an association that represents 43% of Australia’s solicitors, we have a responsibility to be part of the solution and ensure that victims can speak out against unacceptable behaviour in the knowledge that it will have severe consequences for the perpetrator, and not them.”

The Sexual Harassment in the Law portal, which is housed on the Law Society of NSW website, provides access to:

• information on the steps to take if those working in the legal profession have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, discrimination or victimisation and wish to report it
• resources that shed light on sexual harassment in the legal profession and initiatives aimed at addressing it
• important information on new Law Society of NSW training devised to inform the profession and combat sexual harassment in the law
• Workplace Guide and Model Discrimination and Harassment Policies - a practical guide published by the Law Society to help identify and eliminate discriminatory practices • The Charter for the Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession
• The Law Society’s Mental Health and Wellbeing portal
• legislation and rules relevant to sexual harassment in the legal profession.

Ms Warner said the Law Society has also launched a new workshop, available through its Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program, that deals with sexual harassment in the workplace and workplace culture.

The new training session identifies inappropriate conduct, the role of bystanders, workplace culture and the reporting and management of complaints.

The first “Changing Workplace Culture” workshop will be held on 12 August 2021 with monthly stand-alone workshops until the end of the year.