Bullying, Discrimination and Harassment Resources
for Individuals

Bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment of any kind are inexcusable workplace behaviours that undermine the integrity of the profession, harm individuals and damage workplace culture. All legal practitioners, other employees of law practices and members of the community should be treated with respect, courtesy and fairness.

Our commitment

The Law Society is a WE'RE EQUAL employer committed to treating everyone equally, regardless of their age, ability, gender diversity, sexuality, relationship and reproductivity status, race, religion and culture.

The Law Society condemns and has no tolerance for bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment, and accepts its responsibility to lead the profession towards the elimination of these unethical behaviours. We are committed to:

• Promoting respect, fairness and equity in the profession.
• Supporting those who have experienced bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment
• Supporting workplaces in addressing these behaviours.
• Advocating for systemic change to eliminate these behaviours.

The Law Society encourages all legal practices to commit to WE'RE EQUAL.

Please see the following non-immediate support services operated by the Law Society, the options for reporting and complaints instances of bullying, discrimination or harassment within the South Australia profession and other reporting mechanisms. For immediate assistance, we encourage you to reach out to one of the services found here. During an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

For immediate assistance

We encourage you to reach out to one of the following services. During an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

• Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14
• 1800Respect - 1800 737 732
• Women's Safety Services SA - 1800 800 098
• MensLine Australia - 1300 789 978
• Yarrow Place - 8226 8777 (toll free 1800 817 421, after hours 8226 8787)
• 13YARN - a 24/7 culturally safe helpline for ATSI people - 13 92 76
• QLife - 1800 184 257
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
• SA Health Mental Health Triage - 13 14 65

Law Society Support Services

LawCare Counselling Service with Dr Jill

LawCare offers practitioners the opportunity to discuss with a general practitioner, Dr Jill, who has experience in treating social and psychological problems, any problem that is interfering with or has the opportunity to interfere with your work performance.

Professional Advice Service

This service offers legal practitioners with advice and assistance relating to personal or professional problems in their legal practice from an experienced legal practitioner.

Young Lawyers' Support Group

This support group gives new and emerging lawyers the opportunity to seek independent guidance from experienced legal practitioners in the South Australian legal profession.

Lawyers' Complaint Companion Service

This service is available to legal practitioners who are the subject of a complaint to the Legal Profession Conduct Commissioner with the Law Society providing assistance and advice.

Law Society Mentoring Program

This program for provides a supportive and inclusive space for legal practitioners to engage in mentorships that foster personal and professional development.

Ethics Support Service

This service aims to provide members of the legal profession with guidance in relation to ethical issues. The guidance is provided by legal practitioners employed in the Law Society’s Ethics and Practice Unit and is of a general nature.

Reporting and Complaints

Concerns about a legal practitioner?

Whether it is a colleague, supervisor or partner, if someone is acting in a manner which you believe constitutes bullying, discrimination or harassment, there are services that can offer support, advice or take your complaint.

Concerns about a judicial officer?

The Judicial Conduct Commissioner receives complaints about serving judicial officers, including Judges and Associate Judges of the Supreme and District Courts, Magistrates, Special Justices and other persons who exercise judicial functions.

Concerns about a barrister?

The SA Bar Association receives complaints from individuals who witness or experience a barrister engaging in discriminatory, sexually harassing or workplace bullying behaviour and is available to assist any person who witnesses or experiences a barrister engaging in any such behaviour.

Experiencing difficulties dealing with the Law Society?

Members and Associates can make a complaint about the Law Society, as well as non-Member legal practitioners in relation to regulatory decisions made by the Society.

Other Reporting Mechanisms

Reporting Bullying through SafeWork SA

Following no internal resolution to your company's grievance and complaint resolution procedure, you can report bullying through SafeWork SA.

Seeking assistance from the Fair Work Commission

If you are experiencing bullying, discrimination or harassment in your workplace, the Fair Work Commission can assist in stopping it.

Making a complaint with Equal Opportunity SA

If you believe you have experienced discrimination, sexual harassment or victimisation, you can lodge a complaint with Equal Opportunity SA.

Making a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission

If you believe you are the subject of discrimination or breaches of human rights, you can make a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission.