In the week following ALM’s Legalweek, a series of alarming allegations have overshadowed any achievements or developments from the conference. Claims of explicit sexual harassment have flooded LinkedIn, each more disturbing than the last. They were compiled by Deeanna Fleener, VP of Solution Management at Deloitte, giving a glimpse into the litany of offensive acts faced by attendees.
These shockingly explicit incidents ranged from unwanted advances to physical assault and beyond. However, as panelists on Legaltech Week acknowledged, allegations of this nature have continually plagued the legal and tech sectors for years. This appears to escalate at substantial events where informal gatherings are common and an inappropriate “what happens here, stays here” attitude prevails.
Allegations of improper conduct extend beyond the confines of legal tech conferences and permeate every facet of the legal industry, from academia and the judiciary to law firms, politics and the government.
Statements from senior personnel in response to these allegations, although affirming the rejection of such behaviour, raises the question of what remedial action can be taken. Is the answer found within a conduct pledge or placing limitations on events? The #metoo movement commanded global attention but developing long-term solutions within the legal industry remains a challenge. The legal tech community, however, is making strides and actively creating an initiative aimed at identifying solutions to this grave issue.
The initial shock from these incidences may fade, but the echoes of the reported stories should serve to impel comprehensive industry changes in the way such misconduct is prevented, reported, and addressed.