Channel 4 exposes misconduct by ex-CBA chief Jo Sidhu as Harman review urges systemic overhaul
Three women have come forward to accuse top barrister Jo Sidhu of sexual misconduct, in what campaigners are calling a potential #MeToo moment for the legal profession.
Sidhu — once chair of both the Criminal Bar Association and the Society of Asian Lawyers — was disbarred earlier this year after a complaint by one of the women was upheld. Now, all three have spoken to Channel 4 News, revealing a pattern of behaviour they describe as manipulative, coercive, and predatory.
Their testimonies form a key part of a confidential review by Baroness Harriet Harman, commissioned by the Bar Council into bullying and harassment at the Bar. The report, obtained by Channel 4, blames the Bar Standards Board (BSB) for regulatory failings and calls for root-and-branch reform.
One of the women, known by the pseudonym Sienna, said Sidhu messaged her on LinkedIn, offering court shadowing on a murder trial. But on the first night, she alleges, he invited her to his room under the pretext of discussing legal work, locked the door, and assaulted her.
“He came on top of me and kissed me. There was undressing and touching of private parts,” she said, recalling how his seniority and 28-year age gap left her feeling trapped.
Though the bar tribunal disbarred Sidhu based on Sienna’s account, the other two complaints were dismissed. Still, Baroness Harman’s draft report labels Sidhu’s conduct as “predatory” and an “open secret” among legal circles, with senior barristers allegedly warning junior women to avoid him.
Another accuser, Anneka Jenns, met Sidhu at a legal networking event. She sent him her CV, but instead of professional feedback, Sidhu replied late at night with flirty texts. When she joked about not “twerking like the kids,” he responded: “I’d love to see you twerk.”
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite reporting their experiences, the women said the process was painful, prolonged, and deeply flawed. It took over two years for the BSB to investigate Sidhu, and only one complaint led to disbarment.
“From start to finish, I thought that it was appalling,” said Sienna. “The process has been traumatic on top of an already traumatic event.”
Sidhu’s lawyer said he is appealing the tribunal’s decision and denied that a finding of “predatory behaviour” had ever been upheld.
“We have not had sight of this review and cannot comment properly on limited selected extracts,” the legal statement read. “The Tribunal carefully considered and rejected suggestions that Mr Sidhu’s behaviour was predatory.”
The Bar Standards Board acknowledged the criticism, stating: “We take allegations of sexual harassment seriously. However, we must deal fairly and patiently with barristers’ challenges to the process.”
They added that the BSB is “exploring further support for victims” and accepts that a cultural shift is needed.
Harman’s report suggests the problem is far wider than one individual. One woman told of a senior barrister offering to fund her Bar course in exchange for sex. Another recounted how a colleague put his hand under her dress three times at a professional event.
Baroness Harman told Channel 4 that misogyny is “widespread” in the legal profession. She has called for a “moment of reckoning” akin to those seen in politics, media, and policing.
The women involved say they hope speaking out will finally spark systemic change.