Law Firm Bullies Go Unchecked

Bullying and lack of respect was cited as number one on a list of detrimental behaviors at law firms, according to a recently-released study. Ninety-three percent of surveyed leaders from AmLaw 100 firms said bullying behavior was a bigger problem than not being a team player, or poor managerial habits. But the survey authors – legal-search executive David Parnell and law-firm consultant Patrick McKenna – said 59 percent of law firm leaders had cut a partner’s compensation in the last five years over bad behavior, and 52 percent said that behavior had led them to ask a partner to leave. The authors suggest law firms facing a bullying problem set up clear rules to address such behavior, create a committee to deal with discipline, and make good behavior part of the compensation system.