A major review led by Baroness Harriet Harman has uncovered a “culture of denial” at the Bar in England and Wales, where bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct are widespread and often go unpunished. The 129-page report describes a “cohort of untouchables” protected by silence, fear, and a broken complaints system that leaves victims without justice.
The findings reveal troubling accounts: junior barristers waiting years for complaints to be addressed, predatory behavior discussed in private WhatsApp groups, and even judges bullying barristers in court. Victims often stay silent, fearing their careers will be derailed if they come forward.
Baroness Harman calls for “decisive and radical” reforms, including creating a Commissioner for Conduct, overhauling the complaints process, banning sexual relationships between senior barristers and pupils, and monitoring judicial behavior in court.
The Bar Council and senior judiciary acknowledged the severity of the report, pledging change. Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr stressed that bullying and harassment “undermine the justice system” and promised further reforms to restore integrity, fairness, and accountability.