Bullying in the Legal Profession
Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change
Stand Up to Bullying: 6-Day Challenge for Lawyers and Bar Associations
In October 2024, the Commission published “Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change,” based on a study of more than 6,000 Illinois lawyers. It is believed to be the first study of its kind in the U.S.
The data showed that bullying is widespread and has a profound impact on lawyers’ well-being and careers.
Since then, we have worked to change the culture of the profession to one where all lawyers are treated with dignity and respect. Some highlights include:
- Collaborations with organizations nationwide to present the report, including at the ABA National Conference on Professional Responsibility, National Organization of Bar Counsel, American Board of Trial Advocates, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being, and Villanova Law, among others
- Hosted Standing Up To Intimidation bullying prevention summit in partnership with the ISBA, CBA, ABA, and almost 30 Illinois bar associations
- Launched a six-day Stand Up to Bullying Challenge for lawyers and bar association leaders
- Developed new judicial training and CLEs on bullying prevention
- Created new session on bullying prevention in lawyer mentoring curriculum
- Released a bystander tip sheet, with options for responding to bullying
Importantly, in August 2025, the ABA adopted Resolution 523, encouraging legal organizations to address bullying and develop studies similar to the Commission’s report.
Our efforts are ongoing. If you would like to collaborate, reach out to mail@2civility.org.
Bullying compounds itself. After being bullied, you begin to worry. Then, you have trouble sleeping. You come to work but you aren’t working at your full capacity. — Black female lawyer in a law firm