Will the SRA’s drubbing in Beckwith inhibit its longer-term efforts to curb sexual misconduct in the legal profession? And should we take at face value pledges by law firms that they will get serious when confronted by such allegations? Eduardo Reyes reports.
The badge is designed to deter inappropriate behaviour in the profession
A group of barristers has produced a badge to tackle bullying and sexual harassment in the law, securing the support of senior judges, QCs and solicitor advocates.
The ‘All Rise’ pin badge is designed to be worn in chambers, offices and at court as a ‘symbol of allyship’ and to deter inappropriate behaviour. The initiative is headed by four barristers – Bo Kay Fung, Chris Gutteridge, Lydia Pemberton, and Morayo Fagborun Bennett – and has so far raised £1,300, which will go towards manufacturing the badges.
Commenting on the campaign, Gutteridge said: ‘There have been a number of decisions handed down by bar disciplinary tribunals in recent months concerning sexual assault and harassment by barristers. The details of one of those cases suggested that the offending barrister acted in the presence of other barristers without fear of repercussions. This is, in a word, appalling. It casts a shadow o