It can feel overwhelmingly lonely and distressing to be the target of unacceptable conduct in the workplace. As lawyers, we are held to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. When we experience or see acts of bullying, discrimination, or harassment among our colleagues, it can be particularly disappointing and upsetting to bear.
Unacceptable conduct in the legal profession is inexcusable and should never be tolerated.
Rule 42 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2015 prohibits conduct that constitutes discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment) or workplace bullying.
If you have experienced or witnessed, or are experiencing or witnessing unacceptable conduct, please know that you are not alone and that help is available.
Solicitor Wellbeing Service (SoWell)
SoWell is a dedicated mental health support service that is available to all solicitors with a NSW practising certificate. Through SoWell, NSW solicitors can confidentially access up to three free psychology counselling sessions per financial year. These sessions can be in the form of individual therapy, couples counselling or general wellbeing checks. The service also offers unlimited telephone crisis support, available 24/7.
Visit the Law Society of NSW website for more information about SoWell.
The Law Society Ethics line
For many years, the Law Society’s Ethics line has been a source of confidential support and guidance for NSW solicitors facing ethical dilemmas in legal practice. If you would like practical assistance with navigating poor conduct you’ve experienced or witnessed in your legal practice, contact an ethics solicitor on (02) 9926 0114 or email ethics@lawsociety.com.au.
Informal reporting
The Office of the NSW Legal Services Commissioner (OLSC) offers a confidential, informal reporting service to individuals who have experienced, witnessed or who have knowledge of inappropriate personal conduct in legal practice, and may not feel comfortable or be in a position to make a formal complaint.
An informal report can be made confidentially either online through a secured, encrypted portal (available 24/7), or by phone to the OLSC’s Personal Conduct Team on (02) 9377 1865.
Visit the Law Society website for more information about informal reporting.
Unacceptable conduct in the legal profession is inexcusable and should never be tolerated.
Formal complaints
Making an informal report to the OLSC does not prevent you from making a formal complaint at a later stage. In NSW, all complaints concerning a solicitor must be made to the OLSC.
Visit the OLSC website for more information on how to lodge a formal complaint.
In NSW, complaints of discrimination, sexual harassment or vilification covered by the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) can be made to Anti-Discrimination NSW. For more information, call 1800 670 812 or visit the Anti-Discrimination NSW website.
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) investigates complaints about discrimination and breaches of human rights. Information about the complaints process is available on the AHRC website.
Other supports and resources
The Fair Work Ombudsman website has information on bullying, discrimination and harassment in the workplace, including sources of help available to employees.
