header-logo header-logo

Home Login E-newsletter About us
23 May 2019 / Sarah Goulbourne
Issue: 7841 / Categories: Features , Profession
printer mail-detail

Time to embrace a better legal future

© Copyright LexisNexis 2026. All Rights Reserved.
Bullying & harassment are rife in UK law. And it’s time for us all to act, says Sarah Goulbourne
  • Leaders of law firms need to have more faith in their people, to give them the opportunity to take control of their workloads and to flourish as business people and human beings.

The announcement this month by the International Bar Association that over half of UK lawyers have been bullied, and over a third of female lawyers experienced sexual harassment, is very disappointing. My immediate reaction was—why? When we have made so much progress in society to address mental health, to embrace gender equality and diversity, to tackle ageism? How did the legal sector get left behind?

I believe that, despite modern law firms going about their business in impressive modern office blocks, a mindset persists that’s stuck in Dickensian times. Most of the working world has kept up with a natural evolution, embracing flexibility and freedom, and building a culture of trust which allows their people to thrive.

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Read All
Michelman Robinson—Daniel Burbeary

Michelman Robinson—Daniel Burbeary

Firm names partner as London office managing partner

Bellevue Law—Sally Hall

Bellevue Law—Sally Hall

Employment boutique strengthens data protection and privacy offering with senior consultant hire

NLJ Career Profile: Ken Fowlie, Stowe Family Law

NLJ Career Profile: Ken Fowlie, Stowe Family Law

Ken Fowlie, chairman of Stowe Family Law, reflects on more than 30 years in legal services after ‘falling into law’

NEWS
Read All
APIL sees off ‘substantial prejudice’ defence
Personal injury lawyers have welcomed a government U-turn on a ‘substantial prejudice’ defence that risked enabling defendants in child sexual abuse civil cases to have proceedings against them dropped
‘Lost years’ precedent overturned
Children can claim for ‘lost years’ damages in personal injury cases, the Supreme Court has held in a landmark judgment
NLJ this week: When ‘milk’ really means milk
The Supreme Court has drawn a firm line under branding creativity in regulated markets. In Dairy UK Ltd v Oatly AB, it ruled that Oatly’s ‘post-milk generation’ trade mark unlawfully deployed a protected dairy designation. In NLJ this week, Asima Rana of DWF explains that the court prioritised ‘regulatory clarity over creative branding choices’, holding that ‘designation’ extends beyond product names to marketing slogans
NLJ this week: Civil practice with claws & caution
From cat fouling to Part 36 brinkmanship, the latest 'Civil way' round-up is a reminder that procedural skirmishes can have sharp teeth. NLJ columnist Stephen Gold ranges across recent decisions with his customary wit
NLJ this week: Stealing virtual gold?
Digital loot may feel like property, but civil law is not always convinced. In NLJ this week, Paul Schwartfeger of 36 Stone and Nadia Latti of CMS examine fraud involving platform-controlled digital assets, from ‘account takeover and asset stripping’ to ‘value laundering’
Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis
back-to-top-scroll