Much-maligned Law Society president leading taskforce into law culture change
Tuesday, 25 September 2018
The woman who claimed to have been 'surprised and caught out' by sexual harassment within the legal industry has been tasked with leading a much-touted plan to improve the profession.
The appointment of Kathryn Beck, the president of the New Zealand Law Society, to chair a new taskforce set up to 'drive and guide culture change within the legal community' has been called a backwards step.
Former lawyer Olivia Wensley, a vocal proponent for change in the profession, said the decision to let Beck lead such a group was 'disappointing'.
'She is not the right person, as from the outset she has attempted to minimise and deflect the seriousness of the situation.'
**READ MORE:
* Alison Mau: How much proof does Law Society need of sex pests in ranks?
* Outspoken #metoo lawyer barred from joining Law Society panel on misconduct**
Wensley questioned why no lawyer had faced repercussions after the Russell McVeagh scandal earlier this year, with the blame falling on the society and Beck as its leader.
'There are two men still practicing after being accused of rape and sexual harassment at [Russell McVeagh] more than two years ago. Kathryn Beck's Law Society gave them a certificate in June which states they are a 'fit and proper person' It's obscene.'
The Law Society has been under pressure for the past several months for its handling of sexual harassment issues in the wake of the Russell McVeagh revelations, in which four summer interns claimed serious sexual misconduct on the part of senior lawyers.
A subsequent survey of all registered lawyers found a third of all female lawyers and 14 per cent of all male lawyers said they had been sexually harassed at work. Beck said she was 'surprised and caught out' by the results.
The taskforce, a direct response to the survey, comprises 14 voluntary members all working in the legal progression. As of September, they had met once to get the ball rolling, discussing how best to approach the model for change and what external expertise needed to be brought in.
Beck's term as president concludes early next year but she said her position chairing the newly established group would continue beyond that, allowing her to 'see this critically important issue through'.
While the appointment was one she was happy with, Beck said it was a decision made by the Law Society board, rather than her putting her hand up.
'I'm very pleased to be able to still be part of trying to deal with this and bring the profession with us.'
Beck acknowledged that her taking the position might be met with criticism but said she remained committed to the task at hand.
'It might attract some backlash but what I'd like people to think about in those circumstances is that the people who have acknowledged their mistakes and are committed to fixing them are often the most motivated people around.
'I feel a huge personal disappointment as to what has occurred in the legal profession and I'm personally committed to leading the change required … what we really believe is that the profession needs to fix the profession but with expert help.'
Wensley disagreed, instead calling on Beck to step down and not continue to be involved in the 'debacle'.
'It simply isn't good enough. The Society's failure to take action puts vulnerable people at risk of this behaviour every single day.
'How many more young women need to be sexually harmed before something is done?'
The taskforce would complete an initial term of three years, with the plan to deliver an initial draft strategy and action plan to the Law Society by November 2019.