TSG HELPLINE: contract concerns high on list, figures reveal

Trainee solicitors and paralegals are seeking support in growing numbers over bullying in the workplace, it emerged this week.

Figures released by the Trainee Solicitors Group (TSG) on calls to its helpline found that 14% of the record 709 calls received between November 2002 and June 2003 concerned bullying or harassment.

Incidences included trainees being shouted at or humiliated if they asked questions, insults and sly remarks from colleagues, and firms trying to force out trainees they regretted taking on.

'This is clearly of great concern to the TSG and needs to be tackled by the profession,' the group said.

'It seems that many view the profession as lacking sufficient support structures, leading to the creation of a culture of exploitation.'

Law Society chief executive Janet Paraskeva said the Society shared the TSG's concerns.

She added: 'Bullying of any staff within solicitors' practices is unacceptable...

Trainees are often reluctant to press allegations because they are frightened that their career prospects may be damaged.

Seminars reminding solicitors and principals of their obligation to treat staff considerately are held, but attendance is only voluntary.

This is an issue that the entire profession needs to confront.'

Almost 40% of calls to the helpline concerned problems with finding a training contract, and of those, 20% came from ethnic minority students.

Problems include perceptions of bias from older applicants and complaints from paralegals of being strung along by the promise of a contract that never materialises.

Lawyers' support group LawCare has recently begun an initiative to reach out to law students to prepare them for the pressures of a career in the profession.

- TSG helpline: 0800 085 6131; LawCare helpline: 0800 279 6888

Jeremy Fleming