Dealing with #MeToo issues in the legal sector and creating a more positive culture

The blurring of working and personal time, the inherent imbalance in the partnership model and the regulatory framework are all factors which make investigations in to such issues highly sensitive and extremely complex. Complainants can be reluctant to raise issues for fear of the impact which it may have upon their careers. Those who are accused may also suffer a negative impact upon their careers as well as face serious regulatory consequences.

As a firm we have made a commitment to ensure that those within our organisation have a safe and informed process for escalating these concerns. Our Divisional Managing Partner, Richard Miskella collaborated with The Old Vic to devise and implement their Guardians Network and has since rolled it out to other companies. Lewis Silkin is the first law firm to join it.

In this session for HR professionals in the legal sector, we will share our experience advising on and investigating #MeToo issues in law firms. We will also talk about our participation in the Guardians Network as well as provide tips for how other law firms can implement speak up programmes within their own organisations.