Bullying in the Legal Profession

Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change

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Stand Up to Bullying: 6-Day Challenge for Lawyers and Bar Associations

Take the Challenge

39 % of lawyers aged 25 to 35 were bullied vs. 12% of lawyers aged 66 to 75

38 % of female lawyers were bullied vs. 15% of male lawyers

38 % of lawyers with a disability were bullied vs. 23% of lawyers without a disability

29 % of LGBTQ+ lawyers were verbally bullied about their sexual orientation vs. 3% of heterosexual lawyers

10,000 lawyers currently practicing in Illinois have left a job due to bullying

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
Developing and presenting judicial trainings and CLEs on bullying prevention in workplaces and courtrooms
Hosted the Standing Up To Intimidation bullying prevention summit in partnership with the ISBA, CBA, ABA, and almost 30 Illinois bar associations
Launched an ongoing Stand Up to Bullying Challenge for lawyers and bar association leaders
Added bullying-prevention-focused content to the Commission’s Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentoring Program
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.

The Report
The Challenge

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

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

Bullying in the Legal Profession