UN concern over disciplinary case against UK lawyer for ‘boys’ club’ remarks

In 2022, Proudman wrote on X she was troubled by Cohen referring in a judgment to the relationship between a woman and her part-time judge and barrister ex-husband as “tempestuous”, and his use of the word “reckless” to describe the alleged domestic violence.

Proudman, whose legal team have applied to strike out the BSB charges, wrote about Cohen’s ruling: “I do not accept the judge’s reasoning. This judgment has echoes of the ‘boys’ club’ which still exists among men in powerful positions.”

In a letter to the UK government, the special rapporteurs on violence against women and girls, freedom of opinion and expression, human rights defenders and discrimination against women and girls expressed concern about both the BSB investigation into Proudman and the online abuse aimed at her by people unconnected with the proceedings or the family law case.

They said: “While we do not wish to prejudge the accuracy of the above-mentioned allegations, we are concerned that the ongoing harassment of Dr Proudman, combined with the BSB’s decision to take disciplinary proceedings may send a disconcerting message that legal professionals who dare to challenge alleged systemic gender bias against mothers in custody cases, and women who are survivors of domestic violence, will be punished.