Calls to LawCare about bullying and harassment double in 2018

Calls to legal health support charity LawCare from lawyers complaining about bullying and harassment almost doubled last year.

The charity, which runs a helpline offering emotional support for the legal profession, received a 5% increase in calls in 2018, with the most common reasons being workplace stress and depression. The majority of callers were women and 48% were trainees/pupils, or had been qualified for five years or fewer.

LawCare’s chief executive, Elizabeth Rimmer, said that “2018 was our busiest year to date on the helpline since we started over 20 years ago. Whilst we are pleased more lawyers are reaching out to us for support, we remain increasingly concerned about the long hours and heavy workload culture in the law which significantly affects wellbeing. We are particularly concerned about the number of callers citing bullying and harassment in the workplace, it is absolutely essential that legal practice organisations take steps to stamp this out and take the wellbeing and treatment of staff seriously.”

She advised lawyers who are experiencing bullying or harassment to first look at their firm’s policies on the issue, as well as guidance from the Law Society and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

“It’s very important to talk to someone – their line manager if possible, if not a trusted supervisor or colleague, or someone in their family or a friend.”

For support call the helpline on 0800 279 6888 or for more information visit www.lawcare.org.uk/.