06/14/2018

OSBA, Ohio Supreme Court Delivering Sexual Harassment Policy Training

The course will be offered to judges and attorneys around the state

More than 500 judges and attorneys from around the state will be participating in intensive sexual harassment training as part of a unique partnership between the Ohio Supreme Court and the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA).

The course, entitled "Raising the Bar: How Attorneys and Judges Can Help Eliminate Sexual Harassment in the Courts and the Legal Profession" will take place June 15 at the OSBA office located at 1700 Lake Shore Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43204.

“It is important to educate those within the judicial community to prevent sexual harassment in our courthouses and wherever law is practiced,” said Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor. “Courthouses and law firms should be havens where all parties and employees should be respected and protected, not victimized by the individuals abusing their authority.”

The free Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminar will include discussions on the existing legal framework for addressing sexual harassment claims and the limitations of civil liability and standard compliance training to prevent harassment. The course will explore the impact of harassment, responses to inappropriate workplace conduct and ways to prevent harassment by promoting respect and civility in the courthouse, law firms and elsewhere in the legal profession.

The program will be simulcast to the Ohio Supreme Court along with 21 other locations and two other bar associations around the state. (View a complete list of locations here.)

“As attorneys and judges, our mission is to not only vigorously represent and provide justice for any victims of sexual harassment, but also to have the courage to look in the mirror and ensure we are practicing what we preach,” said Mary Augsburger, OSBA executive director. “This program will allow us to hear from outstanding speakers and get practical tips on how to identify and prevent sexual harassment, as well as to create workplaces that are inclusive and free from abuse.”