I’ve been blacklisted, says blogger

A woman who set up a blog to get at the rot behind sexual misconduct in the legal profession says she has been blacklisted by a government agency.

Zoe Lawton set up the blog – where people can post anonymously – after allegations emerged of inappropriate sexual behaviour at law firm Russell Mcveagh, including staff having sex with law students.

She plans to close the blog in early April, when she will provide a full copy to the New Zealand Law Society, all universities, and the Justice Minister. But the blog has drawn criticism.

‘‘I have received threats, and have been informed by several sources that a number of law firms and a government agency have blacklisted me,’’ Lawton said.

‘‘Staff have been told not to associate with me or to post anything on the blog.

‘‘I’ve discovered there are some powerful people with a lot to hide, and have been shocked by the corruption that exists in parts of the legal profession and the public sector.’’

She would not name the firms, nor the government agency, because she did not want to ‘‘stoop to their level’’.

‘‘I want the focus of the conversation to be on changing the culture of the legal profession and helping people who have experienced, or are currently experiencing, totally unacceptable harassment and bullying in the workplace. These are the people we need to listen to.’’

Since the blog was set up, about 140 posts had been submitted.

‘‘Women and men have spoken out about sexual harassment and bullying perpetrated by CEOS and partners of law firms, senior managers in government departments, judges, as well as senior university staff,’’ Lawton said.

‘‘There are accounts of rape, sexual assault, verbal abuse, threats, harassment, intimidation, nudity, porn, excessive drinking and abuse of power’’.

The blog was set up to provide a ‘‘safe and anonymous’’ place for people to share stories of sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination.

‘‘The advantage of a blog is that it is an open forum for people who are in the profession, as well as those who have left because of what they have experienced and therefore won’t be included in formal surveys ... I hope those who have experienced sexual harassment and bullying can see that they are not alone and that there are a lot of people in the legal profession who support them and want things to change,’’ Lawton said.

‘‘I also hope that perpetrators read the blog and understand that what they have done is totally unacceptable.’’

She said she hoped employers would read the blog with a view to eliminating ‘‘toxic’’ behaviour and getting employees support when needed.

Former prime minister Helen Clark took to Twitter and Facebook to voice her support for the blog. ‘‘Her support means the world to me, and I’m so grateful that someone as incredible as her has my back,’’ Lawton said.