Accused at law bash upsets

A former Russell McVeagh partner under investigation for his role in the firm’s #Metoo controversy went to a birthday bash for the Law Society – all while it is investigating him.

A trusted source, who was at the event, said people there were ‘‘deeply uncomfortable’’, ‘‘upset’’, and ‘‘disappointed’’, especially when a speech was made at the event directly alluding to the sexual misconduct issues that had stained the profession.

Those who have first-hand knowledge of the investigation – the victim, the former law firm partner, Russell McVeagh and the Law Society – are bound by strict rules, meaning they can’t even confirm there is an investigation. But #Metoo advocate

Olivia Wensley confirmed a complaint against the man was made, and understood an investigation was being undertaken.

The lawyer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is understood to be under investigation for incidents relating to summer

interns when he was a partner at the Wellington office of Russell McVeagh.

The man attended the $165-ahead New Zealand Law Society and Wellington Branch 150th Anniversary Commemorative Dinner at Te Papa late last year.

The event was by registration rather than invitation. This registration was seemingly unquestioned.

The event was arranged by the Wellington branch of the Law Society. Meanwhile, the man continues to practise law.

It is two years this month since revelations of sexual misconduct at Russell McVeagh broke.

‘‘The two-year delay by the Law Society is unacceptable – it sends a clear message that it doesn’t prioritise the safety of young women,’’ Wensley said.

‘‘The two-year delay by the Law Society is unacceptable – it sends a clear message that it doesn’t prioritise the safety of young women.’’

Olivia Wensley #Metoo advocate

‘‘The Law Society has the power to suspend the lawyer while investigating him – this hasn’t happened. He continues to practise as a lawyer. It’s shocking.

‘‘This means his [alleged] victims might come across him through their work, or see him at Law Society functions. It’s not good enough.

‘‘The victims must be extremely frustrated by the delays. Because of confidentiality they won’t even be able to speak out about their frustration – it is appalling.’’

The secrecy of the Law Society complaints process meant it could go on for years without a decision, she said. ‘‘The whole process sends a message to victims of ‘don’t bother complaining – nothing will happen’,’’ Wensley said.

The Law Society would not confirm it had received a complaint about alleged incidents, saying the Lawyers and Conveyancing

Act 2006 barred it from commenting. This meant it could not say if was investigating, which, in turn, meant it could not explain why it had taken so long.

‘‘The constraint on the disclosure of information is one of the reasons for the Law Society’s decision in October 2019 to commission an independent review of its structure and function. Planning for this review is now under way,’’ it said.

Recently, Justice Minister Andrew Little said he had met with the Law Society several times in recent years, since two reports came out sparked by allegations of sexual misconduct in the law profession.

Dame Silvia Cartwright led a working group looking into the Law Society while Dame Margaret Bazley looked specifically at Russell McVeagh.

The former Russell McVeagh partner did not return calls asking for comment.