The New Zealand Bar Association speaks up after sexual misconduct news rocks the country’s legal profession
To eliminate workplace sexual harassment and bullying, the legal profession could start with ensuring respectful behaviour towards all staff, the New Zealand Bar Association (NZBA) said.
The comment comes after sexual misconduct news rocked the country’s legal profession.
“It is crucial that we manage power imbalance in the workplace in a respectful way. We are absolutely committed to achieving a safe work place for all barristers and members of the profession. This starts with individual standards of behaviour, but workplace culture and policies also need to be examined,” said Clive Elliott QC, NZBA president.
He also echoed the New Zealand Society, which earlier said that any form of sexual harassment is unacceptable in the nation’s legal profession.
Kate Davenport QC, president-elect of the NZBA, reminded members of the profession that the organisation has programs in place to help.
“We encourage all women and men to speak out if they suffer any form of sexual harassment or bullying. The association through its mentoring and bar care programs has senior members available to give advice and support to those who are in this unenviable position. We urge them to come forward and contact us,” Davenport said.
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