LawCare - Health Support and Advice for Lawyers

I'm Being Bullied

Remind yourself that you are an intelligent and highly qualified professional and a worthwhile human being. Socially and wherever possible surround yourself with others who think and say so. Think about your achievements - even list them on paper - and allow yourself to feel pride.
Ask yourself what the bully’s problem is. Is he or she jealous of your skills, or trying to cover for his own inadequacies by exercising power over another? Does he even realise that he is perceived as a bully, or does he believe he simply has a “firm management style”? The bully is only human.
If you feel able to do so, tell the bully how you feel about his or her behaviour, if for no other reason than making the situation clear. “I believe your constant criticism of my work is unfounded and it makes me feel disparaged and upset. I know that my work is fine and would appreciate your not using that tone in future.”
If there are channels available to you by which you can complain to someone in authority, then use them. Make detailed notes of the exact nature of the bullying behaviour and calmly explain why such behaviour is unacceptable, and how it is detrimental to your work. If you have confronted the bully (see above) then make it clear that you have done so to no avail. If you have a suggestion for dealing with the problem – such as a departmental move – then make it. Make notes of the conversation and any promises made, and if nothing is done then try taking your grievance to someone else.
Are others being bullied too? Have members of staff left in the past because of the bullying? Get together with them to support each other and tackle the issue together.
Consider taking more decisive action. Members of the Solicitors’ Assistance Scheme give free help to other solicitors on many issues including harassment and employment problems. Contact Susannah Lewis on 020 7320 5795.
The Andrea Adams Trust is a UK charity dedicated to workplace bullying. Their helpline number is 01273 704 900 and their website is at: www.andreaadamstrust.org. Other helpful websites include www.selfcareconnection.com/workplace_bully.html and www.kickbully.com.
Contact LawCare. We cannot make the problem – or the bully – go away, but we can give you information about safeguarding your mental health, learning to say “No” and coping with stress. Just talking matters through frequently helps, and if appropriate we can put you in touch with another lawyer who has experienced such problems and who will be willing to offer you support. Our freephone helpline is available 9am – 7.30pm Monday to Friday, and 10am – 4pm at weekends. Call 0800 279 6888 and / or visit our website at www.lawcare.org.uk.
If all else fails, then you may need to consider voting with your feet and seeking new prospects elsewhere. You may worry that it will be difficult to find another job, but your own well-being and mental health have to come first. There are plenty of channels to help you find alternative employment, and your doctor may well sign you off as sick due to the stress caused by the bullying for the entire period of your notice.

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