Bullying, harassment a 'real issue' in state's legal community

It comes after an independent investigation into the conduct of former High Court judge Dyson Heydon upheld multiple sexual harassment complaints against him by six young female associates who worked for him between 2003-13.

The stunning revelations look set to prompt a reckoning in Australia's legal community - including in Tasmania.

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Law Society president Crystal Garwood said a 2019 survey of members - the results of which are still being assessed - found that "a problem existed" in relation to bullying and harassment among laywers in the state.

"The Law Society took immediate and decisive action last year in adopting and communicating to the Tasmanian legal profession that there would be a zero tolerance approach to bullying and harassment moving forward and a call was made to our members to act if such behaviour was witnessed," Ms Garwood said.

Tasmanian Women Lawyers president Amanda Thompson said TWL was "concerned" about sexual harassment in the state's legal profession.

"There have been anecdotal complaints where experiences have been shared with TWL but TWL have never formally been approached to assist with a complaint," she said.

Incoming Australian Lawyers Alliance state president Sebastian Buscemi said senior lawyers in Tasmania needed to demonstrate to more junior members of the profession that making a complaint would not lead to retribution of any kind.

Bullying and harassment have been identified as a "real issue" within the state's legal community, the Law Society of Tasmania says.

It comes after an independent investigation into the conduct of former High Court judge Dyson Heydon upheld multiple sexual harassment complaints against him by six young female associates who worked for him between 2003-13.