As the national headlines in recent weeks make clear, no industry is free from allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination. In the legal field, a number of recent high-profile lawsuits have alleged discrimination by law firms regarding attorney compensation and promotions.
The American Bar Association took action last year by adopting Rule 8.4(g) of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Rule 8.4(g) provides that it is professional misconduct for a lawyer to “engage in conduct that the lawyer knows or reasonably should know is harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or socioeconomic status in conduct related to the practice of law.”
The rule also states that “it does not limit the ability of a lawyer to accept, decline or withdraw from a representation in accordance with Rule 1.16,” nor should it “preclude legitimate advice or advocacy consistent with [the Rules of Professional Conduct].”
To some observers, the adoption of Rule 8.4(g) is a welcome step that aligns the Model Rules with the Rules of Professional Conduct in those states that already address discrimination and harassment in the practice of law. However, others have opposed Rule 8.4(g) based on a variety of concerns. For example, shortly after the adoption of Rule 8.4(g), the Texas attorney general issued an opinion concluding that Rule 8.4(g) is unconstitutional because it would infringe on attorneys’ free speech rights, among other reasons.
Regardless of whether states ultimately choose to adopt Rule 8.4(g) (or some form of the rule), attorneys can still take steps to proactively address the risks of discrimination and harassment.
Shape the Culture
Some firms have been successful in creating a culture where it is clear that discrimination and harassment are not tolerated. In other circumstances, firm culture can be a silent contributor to facilitate discrimination and harassment. Indeed, the prevailing attitude of attorneys in a firm can contribute to whether attorneys feel comfortable reporting harassment or discrimination or whether their reports are demonized.
This is not to say that discrimination or harassment only occurs at those firms that tolerate it. Even the most supportive environments can have bad actors. However, the environs in a firm may help shape whether such conduct is openly reported or discouraged.
One important step in developing a positive firm culture is to establish mentoring programs for younger attorneys—whether official or unofficial. This can help create a culture of support at the firm and can allow the firm to identify and address potential instances of harassment or discrimination. It also sends the message that harassment is unacceptable, regardless of how high on the totem pole the harasser sits.
A strong mentoring program can also help guide younger attorneys regarding what is and is not appropriate behavior. This is especially important, given that attorneys new to the practice of law may have different understandings regarding what is acceptable conduct in a workplace environment.
Manage Risks at Firm Events
Law firm social events can be a great way to build camaraderie and to reward attorneys and staff for their hard work. However, some social events can be ripe for harassment or other inappropriate behavior.
To minimize these risks, law firms can choose to hold parties during the afternoon or at a public venue that may be less likely to lead to wild conduct. Colleagues can also hold each other accountable and intervene in situations where someone’s behavior appears to be getting out of control.
The key is to proactively address any problems that may come to the firm’s attention.
Adjust to Modern Norms
Although some circumstances warrant altering or monitoring behavior to prevent potential harassment, this can be taken too far. The practice of law is often accused of lagging behind other industries in many ways, such as the legal industry’s reluctance to adopt new technologies. However, when it comes to the work environment, law firms cannot afford to live in the past by maintaining unwritten rules that deprive attorneys of equal opportunities within the firm.
For example, one vestige of the past is the practice of some male attorneys who are concerned about the appearance of impropriety when alone in a professional or social setting with any woman other than their wives. This practice has received renewed attention in recent months, known to some as the “Mike Pence Rule.” This practice has evolved, in part, because some men and women who work together find themselves on the receiving end of baseless rumors. In response, some senior male attorneys in law firms might avoid traveling, attending social events or holding closed-door meetings with their female colleagues and likely would also decline to act as a mentor for a younger female attorney.
Although the issue is one apparently grounded in attorneys’ concerns about reputation, the problems with this rule in the workplace are obvious (and numerous). For example, a male senior attorney who refuses to travel to meet clients with a female colleague arguably deprives that colleague of important career opportunities based on her sex. Some of the most important components of an attorney’s development from junior associate to senior partner come from mentoring and sponsorship opportunities. A lack of those opportunities is a significant impediment to the success of an attorney in the workplace.
For a profession that has struggled to reach parity of men and women at the partner level, this disparate treatment of female attorneys in particular extends the impact of past discrimination and deprives new generations of opportunities based on outdated notions.
By being mindful of and responsive to potential issues of discrimination or harassment, law firms can facilitate a culture of support and propriety.
Dentons is the world's first polycentric global law firm. A top 20 firm on the Acritas 2015 Global Elite Brand Index, the Firm is committed to challenging the status quo in delivering consistent and uncompromising quality and value in new and inventive ways. Driven to provide clients a competitive edge, and connected to the communities where its clients want to do business, Dentons knows that understanding local cultures is crucial to successfully completing a deal, resolving a dispute or solving a business challenge. Now the world's largest law firm, Dentons' global team builds agile, tailored solutions to meet the local, national and global needs of private and public clients of any size in more than 125 locations serving 50-plus countries. www.dentons.com.
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