Justice Brett Kavanagh’s recent confirmation hearing reignited the #MeToo national dialogue. The question remains – what happens when sexual harassment allegations are made in the very place that they are supposed to be heard – the Courts?

Several states are reexamining the way that judiciaries handle sexual harassment complaints. For example, Illinois recently launched a state-wide training for all 3,000 of its court personnel. The Conference of Chief Judges recently recommended that all judiciaries reexamine sexual harassment policies.

Illinois has a detailed history of sexual harassment complaints dating back to the 1970s. Complaints from female attorneys include judges’ failing to accept their appearance before the court when arguing a motion without proof of their bar admission. The new state-wide training will focus on making all staff aware of complaint reporting procedure and sensitivity training.

Well-known complaint procedures have a direct correlation with minimizing long-term issues in workplaces. Illinois and other states’ choice to work to prevent/address complaints are a step in the right direction given the critical importance of the judiciary in creating an equal playing field for all litigants and counsel.

Questions about an Employment Law concern? Contact Attorney Theodora Stringham at tstringham@offitkurman.com or 703.745.1849

ABOUT THEODORA STRINGHAM

tstringham@offitkurman.com | 703-745-1849

Theodora Stringham assists individuals, businesses, and organizations with growing successfully while minimizing liability. Focusing on real estate and personnel needs, Ms. Stringham executes sustainable plans for real estate development and employee matters. She provides comprehensive representation for everyday growth issues, including, but not limited to, re-zonings, site plan approvals, eminent domain/valuation concerns, employment discrimination, and disciplinary issues. Ms. Stringham’s scope of representation ranges from identifying potential liability and providing counseling/trainings, all the way through representation at trial.

ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN

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