Sexual harassment

in the law

Everyone in the legal profession should expect to work in an environment that is safe and free from harassment.

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Everyone in the legal profession should expect to work in an environment that is safe and free from harassment.

There has been widespread discussion of the research relating to sexual harassment in the legal profession and the ongoing challenge with this issue. While solicitors are not unique in facing these challenges, there is a shared responsibility to address sexual harassment and other inappropriate behaviour in legal workplaces.

The Law Society of NSW has not, and will not, shy away from confronting this issue and, at an individual level, dealing with the distress that arises from sexual harassment.

Reporting harassment

Steps you can take if you have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, discrimination or victimisation.

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Resources

Shedding light on sexual harassment in the legal profession and some of the work aimed at addressing it.

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Model discrimination and harassment policies

A practical guide published by the Law Society to help identify and eliminate discriminatory practices.

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Charter for the Advancement of Women

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Legislation and rules

Legal Profession Uniform Law Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2015, rules 5…
Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), Part 2A
Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), Division 3

FAQs

Contact the Office of the NSW Legal Services Commissioner to make a complaint. Fill out a complaint form or call 02 9377 1865 and say you want to talk about a personal conduct issue. More information available here.

Yes. Contact the Office of the NSW Legal Services Commissioner to make an anonymous notification. You will decide what use is made of your information. Call 02 9377 1865 and say you want to talk about a personal conduct issue. More information available here.

NSW solicitors can phone the Law Society’s Solicitor Outreach Service (SOS) on 1800 592 296 for free access to three sessions with an SOS psychologist as well as immediate telephone counselling if in crisis. More information about SOS and other mental health support services available here.

Consider signing up to the Law Society’s Charter for the Advancement of Women, consult our Workplace Guide and Model Discrimination and Harassment Policies or check out our new sexual harassment training.

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