Bullying is a real problem in the legal profession impacting recruitment, retention, and even driving lawyers out of the field. Guests Stephanie Scharf and Bobbi Liebenberg, through The Red Bee Group consulting firm, co-authored a report commissioned by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism titled “Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change.”

We’ve heard anecdotes about bullying in the legal profession, but while anecdotes get some attention or raise eyebrows, they don’t drive change. That takes data. The study produced by Liebenberg and Scharf produced a mountain of compelling data through a survey of more than 6,000 Illinois attorneys. The shocking result: One in four lawyers surveyed reporting bullying. Numbers don’t lie, bullying in the legal profession happens. A lot.

Bullying is more than incivility and rudeness. It involves power imbalances, intimidation, humiliation, and control. Sometimes it’s even physical.

The study delivers a deep dive into a problem that has received little to no formal examination. Bullying impacts every field and lawyer in the profession, but it’s especially problematic for younger lawyers, women, people with disabilities, and people of color. It’s not “just hazing” and it can no longer be tolerated. This episode will have people talking.

Resources:

Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism

“Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change” by Bobbi Liebenberg and Stephanie Scharf

“Her Story: Lessons in Success From Lawyers Who Live It” by Teresa M Beck, Shayna Michele Steinfeld, and Jacqueline Mecchella Bushwack

“Her Story: The Resilient Woman Lawyer's Guide to Conquering Obstacles, Book 2,” edited by Teresa M Beck, Alicia M Menendez, and Shayna Michele Steinfeld

Previously on the Legal Talk Network, Bobbi Liebenberg and Stephanie Scharf on Lawyer 2 Lawyer, “A Study Into Women Leaving the Law”

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Litigation Section