Junior Lawyers Division introduces ‘dry January’ at events as part of healthy drinking culture drive
updated on 06 January 2020
Law firms and lawyers have a “collective responsibility” to reduce the pressure people feel to drink alcohol at social and networking events, the body representing junior solicitors has said.
The Law Society’s Junior Lawyer Division (JLD) has issued guidance to firms and solicitors on how to create a healthy culture around alcohol, while also announcing that alcoholic drinks will not be served at any JLD events this month in support of those doing ‘dry January’ or pursuing new year’s resolutions to reduce their drinking.
The guidance urges lawyers to never ask why someone is not drinking alcohol at an event. “It is often reported that juniors or those at recruitment events particularly feel pressure to consume alcohol to show that they can fit in with the team, socialise well and secure their future career progression,” it said.
The perception that people who stay out with their colleagues and drink will have greater access to career opportunities than those who do not drink must be combatted, the JLD says. Among its recommendations is that firms move the focus of recruitment and networking events away from alcohol to other activities.
The guidance points out that a firm’s drinking culture has an important diversity and inclusion aspect. It is incumbent on the profession not to exclude those who do not drink alcohol for a wide range of reasons including health, religion, disabilities and veganism.
