Barristers demand action on harassment

Barristers have called for more effective action to combat the "urgent" problem of racial and sexual harassment at the Bar. Speaking last week at a meeting of the Young Barristers' Committee, Bar chairman Robert Seabrook QC said the problem was "despicable" and "unacceptable" and urged chambers to introduce proper procedures for dealing with complaints. Vivienne Gay of the Association of Women Barristers said harassment was deeply damaging to young barristers' self-confidence and affected their career prospects.