Bullying in the Legal Profession

The “Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change” report unveils data from a study on the experiences and impact of bullying among Illinois lawyers. It is believed to be one of the first wide-scale research projects in the U.S. on the topic.

More than 6,000 Illinois lawyers participated in the study, which was conducted for the Commission by The Red Bee Group.

The study found that one in four lawyers had experienced workplace bullying during a one-year period, with the experience being more frequent among younger lawyers, female lawyers, lawyers with a disability, lawyers of color, and LGBTQ+ lawyers.

Almost 20% of lawyers who responded to the survey said they had left a job practicing law due to workplace bullying.

In this Report:

• What is bullying and why this research matters
• Methods for assessing the nature and extent of bullying in the legal profession
• Lawyers experience bullying at work in multiple ways
• What happens in the moment and what are the consequences?
• The long-term impacts of bullying on lawyers and the profession
• Recommended best practices to reduce bullying in the legal profession

As part of the Commission’s efforts to address and prevent bullying in the legal profession, we have created a six-day Stand Up to Bullying Challenge for lawyers and bar association leaders.

The challenge includes short daily actions like taking the “Stand Up to Bullying Pledge,” listening to a podcast on workplace bullying, researching bullying prevention policies at your organization, reviewing bystander strategies, and creating supportive spaces for lawyers to share experiences with bullying.

This is an ongoing challenge and lawyers and bar association leaders are encouraged to participate at any time.

Let us know that you’re taking the challenge by using the hashtag #LawyersAgainstBullying on social media.

Take the Challenge

Bystander Tip Sheet