Survey on sexual harassment and violence in the practice of law: the JBM calls for a change of culture in the profession

The Young Bar of Montreal (JBM) has taken note of the Report - Inquiry into Sexual Harassment and Violence in the Practice of Law (the "Report") published on February 9, 2021. The JBM is concerned by the picture painted of sexual harassment and violence experienced by Quebec lawyers.The JBM is particularly concerned by the fact that only 1% of those who answered the question in the Report made minimal reports to the police or the Syndic du Barreau.

The study that led to this Report was carried out by a research team from Université Laval, commissioned by the Quebec Bar. Among the Report's findings, we note that the majority of harassment and violence experienced by respondents occurred when they were students, interns or employees. The Report also shows that women, sexual minorities and racialized people are more likely to experience sexual violence. Yet these people are strongly represented among lawyers with 10 years' practice or less, a group which includes 64% women and around 17% people from diverse backgrounds^[1]. Noting also that the hierarchical relationship is an element that contributes to the exacerbation of sexual violence, particularly against women, the JBM is all the more concerned for its members.

In light of these observations, the JBM will play an active role in discussions on measures to be put forward by the various players in the legal community, particularly those announced by the Quebec Bar, in order to initiate a change of culture within the legal profession. A sub-committee of the JBM Public Affairs Committee has therefore been set up, and a discussion will be encouraged among JBM members in the very near future. Members wishing to participate in the sub-committee's work are invited to contact the JBM.

The JBM is keen to raise awareness among members of the Quebec Bar and remove taboos from discussions on sexual harassment and violence in the Quebec legal community.

The Young Bar Association of Montreal

Founded in 1898, the JBM brings together over 5,000 members of the Montreal Bar who have been practicing for ten years or less. These young lawyers work in all areas of the law, making their mark professionally. They are the next generation of lawyers, both nationally and internationally. They form an influential group, involved in the community, and are called upon to become leaders in all spheres of society. When it comes to public affairs, the JBM's mandate is to position itself as a key player in the popularization of current legislation. http://ajbm.qc.ca/

[^1] Quebec Bar Association, Annual Report 2019-2020, May 2020, https://www.barreau.qc.ca/media/2512/2019-2020-rapport-annuel.pdf

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For more information, please contact
Joannie Tremblay | Communications and Public Relations Coordinator
jtremblay@ajbm.qc.ca | 514 954-6936 | www.ajbm.qc.ca