Law Society opens harassment reporting and support channels

In its focus on tackling harassment and inappropriate behaviour in the legal profession, the New Zealand Law Society has launched a number of programs, including two new reporting and support channels.

The organisation has launched an O800 phone line to be used by members of the legal community to discuss sensitive matters.

It has also launched a new online facility through which lawyers can submit confidential reports of inappropriate behaviour.

The two new reporting and support channels come after the Law Society announced that Dame Silvia Cartwright will chair the organisation’s previously announced regulatory working group. Cartwright will oversee the group’s effort to scrutinise processes for reporting and taking action on harassment and inappropriate behaviour in the profession.

 The phone line went live yesterday and will initially operate Mondays through Thursdays between 9:00am and 7:30pm, and on Fridays from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Mary Ollivier, Law Society executive director, said that those hours may be changed, saying “if we need to alter these hours because of a strong uptake, then we will look at adjusting the operation to suit and satisfy the demand.”

“Staff that are operating the ‘Law Care’ phone line will be able to offer callers a range of options for accessing support and assistance in dealing with their concerns. In turn, it will also provide the Law Society with another effective tool in gaining a clear picture as to the extent of harassment and bullying that occurs in the legal community,” Ollivier said.

Under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2008, lawyers are required to make a confidential report to the Law Society if there are reasonable grounds to suspect a peer may be guilty of misconduct.

“As a lawyer, you are not required to make a definitive decision on whether the conduct in question is misconduct or unsatisfactory conduct.  Rather, you should ask yourself ‘how would a reasonable lawyer knowing all relevant facts, view the conduct,’” said Neil Mallon.

Mallon, who is the Law Society’s general manager for regulatory matters, said that the online facility gives lawyers access to information and guidance to assist in determining whether or not to submit a report.

“Guidance and information on what will happen with the report, including any potential investigation of the conduct, will be available through the online facility.  It will also provide links and information on how to obtain support if you have witnessed or have been affected by unacceptable conduct, including sexual harassment,” he said.