One of the fundamental rights for anyone working in the legal profession, or any workplace for that matter, is that they can practise in an environment in which they are free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, vilification or victimisation.

It’s disturbing to learn that, globally, one in two female lawyers and one in three male lawyers have been bullied, and that one in three female lawyers has been sexually harassed in the workplace. As part of efforts to address these alarming statistics, the International Bar Association currently is undertaking a major survey on bullying and harassment in the legal profession.

As your professional body, the Law Society of NSW has an ongoing commitment to equalisation for every member of the legal profession. We want to instil a culture where every person is treated fairly and respectfully. This commitment has underpinned our initiatives on this important issue, most recently with our Charter for the Advancement of Women in the Profession.

It’s timely to remind all members of the profession that discrimination, harassment and bullying are covered in mandatory units for CPD. Sexual harassment and bullying constitute professional misconduct in the legal profession and can result in disciplinary action, criminal prosecution or penalties under anti-discrimination legislation.

As President of the Law Society, I urge all employers in the legal profession to constantly review their approach to sex discrimination and sexual harassment and implement strategies for the advancement of women in the workplace.

On another issue, the call to submit expressions of interest in serving on our various committees next year went out recently. Our policy, regulatory and liaison committees perform valuable work across a range of areas of law, and provide an opportunity for members to actively contribute to the work of the Law Society. Our policy committees draw upon the expertise of their volunteer members to prepare our policy submissions to government on key law reform issues, and our regulatory committees make important decisions in relation to the various regulatory functions the Society plays for the profession.

I have served on Law Society committees for many years and I am constantly amazed at the dedication and professionalism that members show in contributing to the legal profession in this way. Whatever your area of expertise, I encourage you to consider registering your interest in serving on a committee in 2019.

Doug Humphreys
Law Society President 2018
Twitter:  @LSNSW_President

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