The Ohio Supreme Court and the OSBA recently teamed up to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

The Ohio Supreme Court and the OSBA recently teamed up to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

The Ohio Supreme Court teamed up with the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) for a second time to address the hot-button issue of sexual harassment in the work place.

The free seminar brought together a record 750 lawyers and judges from across the state, including those who watched in person and others online, via live streaming across the state.

“Not Another Sexual Harassment Training: Empowering Attorneys and Judges to Create a Culture of Civility and Respect” featured national speaker Fran Sepler, who was commissioned by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, to develop programs offered nationwide.

“Every attorney and judge in the state of Ohio has a professional obligation to conduct themselves with civility and to show respect for their colleagues,” Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor said. “Our goal for this education is to foster the development of workplace and professional environments where harassment will not occur.”

Instead of hitting the traditional teachings of reducing employer liability, the conference focused on how behavior deemed disrespectful and uncivil can create a hostile work environment if it goes unchecked.

“This training is a part of a continuing effort by the OSBA and the high court to ensure that the Ohio legal profession is well-educated on a topic that is at the forefront of the national conversation,” said OSBA President Eleana Drakatos.

“Attorneys are on the front lines when it comes to this topic as they advise their clients on how to create healthy working environments,” she said.