A study -believed to be the first of its kind- to carry out research into bullying and harassment in the legal profession has been initiated by the Law Society, who have appointed Equality Works to lead the research.

In a statement, the Society said the researchers are looking for people "from across the profession – from trainees to partners and paralegals and support staff to share their experiences and also suggestions on improving the workplace and good practice in this area."

"They want to hear from people who have experienced or witnessed bullying or harassment, those who provide support for victims and also those who have been accused of bullying or harassment," it added. 

Neil Stevenson, Director of Representation and Support at the Society, said: "The initial findings of the research are expected to be published around November, none of which will be attributable to individuals. We also intend to put together guidance on best practice based on the outcomes and develop a strategy to provide support to anyone who is affected and work with firms to promote dignity at work."

In April 2008 the Firm initiated an ongoing campaign to highlight bullying and abuse as experienced by trainees in the legal profession.

"The Firm's campaign was extremely valuable in shining a light on those hidden instances of shameful abuse that can occur within law firms to its most vulnerable entrants, its trainees," said the Firm's Editor, Steven Raeburn.

"It would be inappropriate for the Firm to volunteer any of the testimonies and material during our campaign and apply it to this wider research, but I would encourage all those who contacted us to relate their experiences to the Law Society's research process. Only by taking action and addressing these problems, can steps be taken to eradicate them for the future."