Bullying, harassment spark review

The Law Society has announced an independent review of itself – partly to deal with sexual harassment and bullying in the profession.

New Zealand’s law profession has been rocked in recent times by allegations of sexual misconduct in law firms – most notably at law firm Russell McVeagh.

But the Law Society’s handling of the issues was also called into question.

New Law Society president Tiana Epati announced yesterday it would commission an independent review of its structure and function.

‘‘The decision to conduct an independent review reflected the constraints the current [Lawyers and Conveyancers] Act placed on the Law Society’s ability to be transparent about its complaints process, and to deal with a broad range of unacceptable behaviour, including complaints of sexual harassment and bullying within the profession,’’ a Law Society statement said.

Steph Dyhrberg Wellington Women Lawyers’ Association convener

Dame Silvia Cartwright’s earlier review found a lawyer – when their behaviour was not related to legal services – could not be disciplined by the Law Society unless it was serious misconduct that was enough to deem them unfit to practise.

The review, expected to take three to five years, could lead to the recommendation for legislation change.

Wellington Women Lawyers’ Association convener Steph Dyhrberg said the review was long overdue. ‘‘I have been advocating for an independent review of the entire structure and model for a long time. Good on the Law Society for having the courage to actually look at itself.’’

Olivia Wensley, an outspoken critic of the Law Society’s handling of the scandals, said the review was way overdue.

‘‘The Law Society has been failing both lawyers and consumers for too long.’’

A Law Society survey found one-third of women lawyers had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace – yet the Law Society had only ever held one offender to account.

‘‘Good on the Law Society for having the courage to actually look at itself.’’