Responding to Sexual Harassment at the Bar

13/07/2020

Members are reminded that a range of CPD materials are available to assist barristers who experience sexual harassment at the Bar, as well as barristers and chambers in responding when complaints of sexual harassment are raised under the Best Practice Guidelines or professional conduct complaints.

These include the following CPDs, which are available through the online CPD portal here:

1. Responding to Sexual Harassment at the Bar Series Part 1 - What To Do When Sexual Harassment Occurs?

The focus of this session is for barristers who experience sexual harassment and bystanders:

• What is and what is not sexual harassment, sex-based harassment and sex discrimination?

• Overview of the key legal provisions (ie SDA, ADA, Rule 123)

• Where to go if an issue of sexual harassment arises in chambers, in court, by solicitors, by clerks or in a social settings?

• What can the Bar Association do?

• Strategy, Bar Care, BPG complaints, professional conduct, police

• What options are available and where to seek advice?

• Role of bystanders

• Privacy and confidentiality lawyers at the beginning of the 20th century.

This resource was prepared by the New South Wales Bar Association's Diversity & Equality Committee.

2. Responding To Sexual Harassment at the Bar Series Part 2 - Responding To Sexual Harassment Complaints - Barristers And Chambers

The focus of this session is for barristers and chambers when allegations of sexual harassment are raised under the BPGs or professional conduct complaints:

• Why does sexual harassment occur and risk factors for barristers personally and chambers? • Impact of sexual harassment on victims and the workplace • Strategies for addressing sexual harassment in chambers • How to respond to complaints - individuals and chambers • Victimisation • What options are available and where to seek advice • Privacy and confidentiality • This resource was prepared by the New South Wales Bar Association's Diversity & Equality Committee.

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