Applications from lawyers and former lawyers who want to participate in a taskforce to drive and guide systems and culture change within the legal profession close at noon on Tuesday, 12 June.

The Law Society is committed to targeting and eliminating the culture of bullying and harassment which exists in some parts of the legal profession and the appointment of this taskforce is a key initiative that the Law Society is taking to address the issue.

“The taskforce will be complementary to the Law Society's regulatory working group that has been set up under Dame Silvia Cartwright. These are voluntary positions.  The taskforce will be supported by an expert in organisational culture change and other support and legal advice (as needed) will be available. " says Law Society acting Executive Director Mary Ollivier.

"Preferred candidates will have a strong interest in promoting and implementing culture and systems change with skills and experience in designing and delivering organisational development initiatives as well as experience in employment law, human rights or professional ethics. We welcome applications which reflect the broad range of experience, culture, perspective and lifestyle to be found in New Zealand."

Expressions of interest are required by noon on Tuesday, 12 June 2018 and should be emailed to fiona.rogers@lawsociety.org.nz. Applicants should give details of any experience that is relevant to this work and include their CVs.

“The taskforce will look at how to effect culture and systems change to assist the legal profession to build healthy and safe legal workplaces that are truly professional, respectful and inclusive.” Mrs Ollivier says.

She says the terms of reference for the taskforce are being finalised.