The New Zealand Law Society is seeking expressions of interest from lawyers who want to participate in a task force to drive and guide systems and culture change within the legal profession.  

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 task force is a key initiative that the Law Society is taking to address the issue.

“These are voluntary roles. This work is different yet complementary to the regulatory working group which was set up earlier in the month under Dame Silvia Cartwright," 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."

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 task force are being finalised.