Press Release

One out of two women surveyed and one out of three men say they have suffered bullying at work, and one out of three women and one out of fourteen men say they have been harassed in a work context, according to the results of a global study on intimidation and sexual harassment in the legal industry conducted by the International Bar Association.

The investigation was carried out in 135 countries, covering nearly 7,000 individuals from legal firms, companies, the judiciary and others. Researchers found that 36% of bullying cases and 26% of sexual harassment cases occurred in the last year.

“I believe it is imperative to identify harassment that takes place in law classrooms. As women, we have tolerated sexist and bullying behaviors; teachers make inappropriate comments that undermine us. It is a behavior that begins in the university and, therefore, we are not surprised to continue in the same aggressive environment when we develop professionally.” This testimony from a Chilean lawyer opened the presentation that announced the results of the report during the seminar, “Us Too? Bullying and Harassment in the Legal Profession”, organized by the International Bar Association, the Bar Association of Chile and Carey. The seminar organizers called on legal professionals to combat this type of behavior.

"We have a moral duty to do more to prevent bullying and sexual harassment, implementing specific policies, promoting awareness, opening effective reporting channels, conducting training courses periodically, and supporting those who report these problems," said Carey partner, former president of the Legal Practice Division of the IBA and member of its Board of Directors, Jaime Carey, during his welcome speech.

The report was presented by Kieran Pender, senior legal advisor at the Legal Policy & Research Unit of the International Bar Association, followed by a conversation panel moderated by Claudia Wiegand, legal director of Fundación Chile Mujeres, and integrated by: Ciro Colombara, founding partner of Rivadeneira Colombara Zegers Abogados; Loreto Silva, partner of Bofill Escobar Silva Abogados; and Carola Trucco, partner of Barros & Errázuriz. Leonor Etcheberry, president of the Chilean Bar Association, closed the seminar by sharing some reflections on the results of the report.