Being “Pushed Around”.
Being “Pushed Around”.
I just finished reading the latest ABA Journal, and honestly, the front cover made me pause: “Pushed Around.” We’ve all seen headlines like this before, but something about it felt different this time. The stories inside were relatable to comments I have heard over the years.
The article reveals that workplace bullying in the legal profession is “considered somewhat commonplace in the legal industry.” A 2024 study found that 24% of Illinois lawyers experienced workplace bullying in just one year, with women facing it at nearly twice the rate of men. But here’s what really got to me: only 20% of those who experienced bullying actually reported it. I couldn’t help but think as a parent, if my kid was getting bullied, I would want to know about it and take action, but as adults, what are we doing and what kind example are we?
Why don’t people report the bullying? The answers were often: Fear of being seen as weak. Worry about job security. Doubt that anything would change. And for those brave enough to speak up, more than half found their employer’s response inadequate.
It’s a tough spot for everyone because the nature of an attorney often brings out an assertive, “tough person” admiration to stand up for what is right. If the attorney is considered successful at their cases or projects, how do they temper it for those working around them to not alienate themselves. How does the firm sing their praises for winning a case or doing a great job also reprimand them for their personal conduct in the office? That’s a difficult tension to manage.
The article reveals that workplace bullying in the legal profession is “considered somewhat commonplace in the legal industry.” A 2024 study found that 24% of Illinois lawyers experienced workplace bullying in just one year, with women facing it at nearly twice the rate of men. But here’s what really got to me: only 20% of those who experienced bullying actually reported it. I couldn’t help but think as a parent, if my kid was getting bullied, I would want to know about it and take action, but as adults, what are we doing and what kind example are we?
Why don’t people report the bullying? The answers were often: Fear of being seen as weak. Worry about job security. Doubt that anything would change. And for those brave enough to speak up, more than half found their employer’s response inadequate.
It’s a tough spot for everyone because the nature of an attorney often brings out an assertive, “tough person” admiration to stand up for what is right. If the attorney is considered successful at their cases or projects, how do they temper it for those working around them to not alienate themselves. How does the firm sing their praises for winning a case or doing a great job also reprimand them for their personal conduct in the office? That’s a difficult tension to manage.
The Catch-22 Nobody Talks About
The article highlighted something we don’t discuss enough: the impossible choice many face when dealing with workplace toxicity. Some attorneys were told they had strong harassment claims but that pursuing them “would make subsequent employment difficult.”
Think about that for a moment. You can stay silent and suffer, or speak up and potentially torpedo your career prospects. It’s no wonder people feel trapped.
As one expert noted in the article, “Bullying does not exist in a vacuum.” Neither does the stress, pressure, and isolation that come with legal practice. These challenges compound each other, making difficult situations feel overwhelming.
Think about that for a moment. You can stay silent and suffer, or speak up and potentially torpedo your career prospects. It’s no wonder people feel trapped.
As one expert noted in the article, “Bullying does not exist in a vacuum.” Neither does the stress, pressure, and isolation that come with legal practice. These challenges compound each other, making difficult situations feel overwhelming.
Why Community Matters
Reading this made me think about what we are building at Impartial. Over time our membership community will include law students, advocates, and legal professionals who all deal with various pressures in different ways. The isolation that comes with legal work—whether you’re billing hours, handling high-stakes cases, or just trying to navigate a competitive environment. It is real. Our humanity is a real part of our work.
Having a community where you can connect with others who understand these pressures doesn’t solve workplace bullying, but it does something important: it reminds you that you’re not alone in dealing with the stress and challenges that come with this field. Sometimes just knowing that others have faced similar pressures and found ways to thrive makes a huge difference. Real connections in communities can not be understated. When you truly show and receive care, respect and honesty in an impactful environment, things do feel more manageable.
The legal profession has long glorified the lone wolf mentality, but research consistently shows that professional community and peer support are essential for career resilience. You don’t have to face the challenges of the legal field alone. There are plenty of people who are interested in listening and will be supportive.
Having a community where you can connect with others who understand these pressures doesn’t solve workplace bullying, but it does something important: it reminds you that you’re not alone in dealing with the stress and challenges that come with this field. Sometimes just knowing that others have faced similar pressures and found ways to thrive makes a huge difference. Real connections in communities can not be understated. When you truly show and receive care, respect and honesty in an impactful environment, things do feel more manageable.
The legal profession has long glorified the lone wolf mentality, but research consistently shows that professional community and peer support are essential for career resilience. You don’t have to face the challenges of the legal field alone. There are plenty of people who are interested in listening and will be supportive.
Diane is the Founder of Impartial. Through her own unfortunate prosecution, Diane learned firsthand what the US criminal justice system is. She shares information, stories and possibilities about what our criminal justice is and could be.
