Law firm events and industry conferences can foster meaningful connections, collaboration, and professional growth. However, the positive impact of these gatherings can be severely damaged by inappropriate behavior, such as sexual harassment. Creating a safer, inclusive space is key to ensuring the success of professional events.
Furia Rubel CEO and general counsel Gina Rubel recently published an article outlining key strategies to foster an environment of safety, accountability and inclusivity. They include:
- Creating safer spaces
- Solutions for mitigating risks
- Establish clear policies on conduct
- Empower upstanders
- Provide anonymous and accessible reporting tools
- Raise awareness for proactive risk management
- Address challenges with conference culture
- Foster community and peer support
- Call to action for law firm leaders
As a leader, it is vital to understand the various ways you can make others feel safe, support your colleagues, and establish a culture that includes everyone. When organizing events in which professionals can form community and learn from each other, mitigating sexual harassment risks must be a key part of the planning.
Read Reputational Management: Mitigating sexual harassment risks at law firm and legal industry events