No one wanted to address it because it was uncomfortable, awkward and messy.
Early in my legal career, a senior partner at the firm where I worked began harassing me. He insisted on long hugs that lingered. He told me he loved me. He commented on my body and my clothing. He was emotionally volatile and, at times, controlling. On one occasion, he screamed that I was “either dumb or trying to steal his client.” When I became upset, he used that moment as an excuse to “comfort” me.
I had worked hard to build my career. I liked coming in early and sometimes stopped by on weekends to get ahead. Over time, I found myself calculating how to avoid being alone in the office with him. I started adjusting my schedule around his presence.
Key Takeaways
- Workplace sexual harassment typically escalates from seemingly
