Law Society publishes guide on handling bullying and harassment

The guide describes bullying “as the process whereby an employee is intimidated, mistreated or humiliated. It can be characterised by offensive, malicious or insulting behaviour which is designed to undermine the confidence and capability of the victim.”

Harassment is defined as “unwanted behaviour which affects the dignity of people at work. It may be persistent or an isolated incident. Either way, the key is that the actions or comments are seen as demeaning or humiliating and are unacceptable to the recipient.”

The guide advises individuals to note early signs of bullying including unmerited criticism despite no change in an individual’s standard of work as well as a sense you are being “got at”.

However, the guide recommends that lawyers do not keep a record of problems. It suggests instead as a first step to “tell the person to stop whatever it is they are doing that is causing you distress as they might not realise what effect their behaviour or actions is having on you”.

Elsewhere it lists resources, including LawCare, which lawyers can call to discuss any personal issues they are having.