Lawyers urged to speak out on sexual harassment

The New Zealand Law Society is calling on lawyers to speak out on sexual harassment in the workplace, in the wake of sexual assault allegations at the Wellington law firm Russell McVeagh.

The wide-ranging discussion on sexual harassment and work environments in the legal profession cannot be allowed to die away, Law Society president Kathryn Beck says.

Last week, it was revealed that female students at Victoria University were allegedly sexually assaulted during their time with the law firm.

The incidents reportedly took place two years ago, at social functions, and involved more than one woman.

Five female clerks declined full-time positions at the firm at the end of their internships.

Ms Beck says the whole legal profession must take responsibility for the way it works and the way it treats sexual harassment of any degree.

``It is not OK and I am calling on all lawyers and others in legal workplaces to speak out if anything happens to them or if they see or hear of anything happening to their workmates,'' she said.

``Some firms will need a cultural change and this must become a focus and an imperative.

``Other firms will be models of what a safe workplace should be, and it would be sad that their efforts are obscured just because they are in the legal profession.''

The Law Society is stepping up the initiatives it has been developing to encourage change, Ms Beck said.

``We will strive to provide support and make other processes available so that this change can occur as quickly as possible.''

A senior partner at Russell McVeagh, Pip Greenwood, told RNZ last week that the firm's board was aware of the allegations and conducted an internal investigation.

The men involved no longer worked at the company, she said

Comments

Isn't it great how 'no longer worked for the company' gets everyone off responsibility. A commom cop out in church based orgnisations, sports teams and even state schools. When are these men at all levels going to front up?