At Bellevue Law, we believe that culture is not just a backdrop to professional life. It’s the foundation on which ethical, inclusive, and respectful workplaces are built. That’s why we’re proud to share our founder Florence Brocklesby’s recent article in GRIP (Global Relay Intelligence and Practice), which explores the urgent lessons for the wider professional services sector arising from Baroness Harriet Harman KC’s independent review of bullying and sexual harassment at the Bar.
The Harman Review uncovered widespread harassment, sexual harassment, and bullying within the legal profession, and set out 36 recommendations for change. Florence’s article draws a powerful parallel with last year’s Sexism in the City report from the House of Commons Treasury Committee, which revealed similarly disturbing patterns of abuse in financial services, including serious sexual assault and rape.
Both reports point to a systemic failure to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable. As Florence writes, the time for incremental change has passed. Echoing Baroness Harman’s call for “decisive and radical change … to effect a reset of the culture,” Florence urges leaders across professional services to adopt and enforce a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and bullying—not just in policy, but in practice.
We encourage everyone in the legal and financial sectors to read Florence’s article and reflect on the role each of us can play in creating safer, more respectful workplaces.
https://www.grip.globalrelay.com/misconduct-and-a-culture-of-impunity/
