I’ve seen barristers bullying and abusing their power – here’s how they get away with it

Bullying ‘at the bar’ is just the tip of the iceberg – there’s sexism and racism, too, writes barrister Charlotte Proudman, as she reveals the multiple incidents she’s witnessed

Some 44 per cent of barristers who took part in the survey said they have experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment and discrimination (Getty)

The legal profession needs a wake-up call. Barristers like me are continuing to face professional challenges because of inappropriate conduct from their colleagues – and even judges.

In the Bar Council’s most recent report, we now see stark evidence of what I’ve known for a very long time: that barristers suffer bullying, sexual harassment, racism, sexism and online abuse.

Some 44 per cent of barristers who took part in the survey said they have experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment and discrimination. As a barrister who has witnessed multiple flagrant abuses of power, I suspect this figure is just the tip of the iceberg.