The New Zealand Law Society’s Board will tomorrow (Friday, 14 December) consider the report of the independent working group which has been investigating whether regulatory change is required to address unacceptable behaviour in the legal profession.

The working group chair, Dame Silvia Cartwright, will present the group’s report and recommendations to the Board.

Established in March this year, the working group was asked to inquire into and report on the current regulatory framework so as to enable better reporting, prevention, detection, and support in respect of sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination and other inappropriate workplace behavior within the legal profession.

As well as Dame Silvia, the working group members are Jane Drumm (General Manager, Shine), Joy Liddicoat (University of Otago), Professor Elisabeth McDonald (University of Canterbury) and Philip Hamlin (barrister).

Since its establishment the working group has consulted with a range of organisations and individuals with expertise and interest in the area. It has also examined the history, prevalence and nature of unacceptable conduct in the New Zealand legal profession and reviewed comparative regulatory regimes in overseas jurisdictions and other New Zealand regulated professions.

After considering the report and its recommendations, the Law Society’s Board will decide on its response. The report will be released publicly on Monday, 17 December with the Law Society’s response.