National survey of NZ lawyers underway

New Zealand’s practising lawyers have been sent a survey which aims to gather information on workplace environments in the legal profession. The New Zealand Law Society has commissioned research firm Colmar Brunton to carry out the survey, which has been sent to over 13,250 New Zealand-based lawyers. The survey is one of…

Law Society launches online resources to combat harassment and bullying

The New Zealand Law Society has released a range of online and other resources as part of its actions against bullying and sexual harassment in the legal profession. The resources can be accessed from a new section on the Law Society's website, Bullying and harassment in the legal profession: The resources include…

Responsibility rests with whole legal profession

All members of the legal profession need to take responsibility for fostering a professional culture where harassment of any kind is unacceptable, the President of the Otago branch of the New Zealand Law Society, John Farrow, says. Writing in the latest issue of the branch’s newsletter Cur Adv Vult, Mr Farrow…

Law Society supports changes to improve New Zealanders' access to legislation

The New Zealand Law Society welcomes proposals to improve the quality of legislation and to make it easier for people to access and understand legislation that affects their legal rights and obligations. The Law Society has presented its submission on the Legislation Bill to Parliament’s Justice Committee, and said it supported…

Timothy Slack struck off the roll

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal has ordered that Timothy Upton Slack be struck off the roll of barristers and solicitors. He admitted a charge that, having been convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment, that conviction reflected on his fitness to practise, and/or tended to bring the legal…

Law Society launches phone line for workplace harassment support

The New Zealand Law Society has launched a new 0800 phone line where people in the legal community are able to discuss sensitive matters such as workplace harassment and the options and support they can access. Callers will be able to discuss their experiences or those of others and receive information…

National survey to assess legal profession workplace environments

The New Zealand Law Society is to conduct a national survey of New Zealand lawyers to assess workplace environments in the legal profession. As well as seeking information on harassment and bullying, the Workplace Environment Survey will also include questions on stress and wellbeing.  The Law Society has commissioned research firm Colmar…

Do not be a bystander, says Law Society Vice-President

Change is required in the legal profession to stop sexual and other harassment and this must be supported by all men and women in the profession, New Zealand Law Society Vice-President, Auckland, Tim Jones says. Tim Jones.  Writing in the latest issue of the Law Society's magazine LawTalk, Mr Jones says the…

Information provided on suspended lawyer restrictions

The New Zealand Law Society has issued a new Practice Briefing, Guidelines for Suspended Lawyers. The guidelines are intended to provide lawyers and their firms with steps that need to be taken if a suspension order is issued, a summary of conduct which suspended lawyers are not permitted to do, the…

Bullying by judiciary unacceptable

The courtroom is the workplace of lawyers working in criminal law. “They, like everyone, are entitled to a working environment free from bullying, harassment and prejudice,” New Zealand Law Society President Kathryn Beck says. “As our Chief Justice has said, any bullying behaviour by members of the judiciary is completely unacceptable. “A…