Suggestions people?

[sparkindarkness]

We have a client. She owns her own business. I worked for her once on a business case, fair enough, but I’m not a business lawyer, it was a one off. Naturally, as a new business and a new company she needs a lawyer quite frequently. She comes to our firm. All good. She always asks for me… not brilliant because I am not business, but hey, some clienst like a particular lawyer. One of my colleagues is business and has a client who always calls him in for criminal. All I do is the interview and if I have any problems I pass it on to a more qualified lawyer.

Now here the problem begins. In interview it’s amazing how far forwards she can lean in a low cut top with either no bra or a bra that is so push up she’s in severe danger of blocking her vision. This could just be coincidence. As could the constant casual touching. As could the casual hugging. As could the way she always makes sure we touch when she hands me anything. As could the way she always stands so her body is pressed against me if we are stood next to each other. As could… gah, a hundred things. That’s just the thing any one of these could be an accident/coincidence. But when she virtually drapes herself across my shoulders when she’s reading the same paper I am? Or leans into me when we’re both studying the same document when sat next to each other, sometimes putting a hand on my arm, shoulder, chest or even thigh for balance as she leans over? Hmmm… it COULD be innocent. Even if it always happens…

But running her foot up and down my leg under the table at a business lunch or putting her hand on my thigh (and… wandering) without the excuse of balance… weeeeellllll no, not really. Not innocent.

Ok, fair enough, it happens right? Having reached a point where I can’t really pretend it isn’t happening, I try to stop it. I’ve made subtle hints about being taken, mentioned being afianced. No change. If anything she’s getting worse. I was stood in reception talking to a colleague the other day when she came in the office. She hugged (as usual) but her hands explored my back pockets. I pulled away, she casually put an arm round my shoulder while we talked… and let it slide down my back to the pocket again. I physically moved her hand. Twice. The receptionist nearly collapsed laughing. Just a few days ago we were sat reading her articles of association and again hand on my thight, 3 times I moved her hand as it snaked upwards. I had to move my chair.

I’ve dropped hints about being taken, even about being gay, very BIG OBVIOUS HINTS! I've done everything short of cutting her damn hand off. And she’s not stopping. What next?

Comments

[gnarlycranium.livejournal.com]

Exaggeration? Heh, now you're discriminating against -yourself-. Sexual harassment is -absolutely- what it is. Or at the very least, assault. She's invading your personal space without permission, and gender has absolutely nothing to do with that. I dunno how picky they are about it in the UK, but over here people FREAK about that sort of thing in the workplace. Granted it's a bit weird when the gender issues come up-- you're quite right, it -isn't- even, and maybe it never will be, given the plain fact that women are smaller and at a general disadvantage when it comes to matters of enforcing personal space. Still, it's sexual harassment even if you're three times her size.

Sounds like that receptionist has the right idea, I just hope your boss is sensible enough to not get upset with her if the client gets offended.

She HAS stepped over the line, and if she tries it again, -telling- her to quit it is a good idea.