Solicitors warned over sending sexist and racist emails

SOLICITORS have been warned not to send sexist emails and comments after a surge in complaints.

The solicitors’ regulator said it had seen a “significant increase” in reports of “inappropriate communications” made by lawyers, including sexist, racist and threatening language on social media and in emails.

Such behaviour could be classed as misconduct, which could lead to punishment including a fine or formal warning. The SRA said it had recently passed several cases on to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, which investigates misconduct.

Exchanges between law firms on opposite sides of a case which are “gratuitously offensive” and use “inflammatory language” should also be avoided, added the regulator, noting that a solicitor was recently fined for sending “heated and abusive” emails to an unrepresented opponent.