Russell McVeagh has appointed Dame Margaret Bazley to lead the external review of incidents of sexual harassment within the law firm that occurred in 2015/16.

The scope of the external review includes actions taken with respect to the incidents of 2015/2016, and any other incidents that may come to light during the conduct of the review, culture in both offices, current management practices and policies relating to the prevention of sexual harassment, and supporting complainants.

“We recognise that the incidents of sexual harassment that have occurred at our firm have had a profound effect on the women involved and we are all truly sorry and horrified that they occurred,” Pip Greenwood, a senior partner at the firm said.

“We are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not happen again. We have been conscious, in making this appointment, to appoint a person who is truly independent as well as who has experience in such work."

Russell McVeagh says Dame Margaret, who has previously led several state sector organisations, was a member of the Waitangi Tribunal and Chair of the appointed Commissioners at Environment Canterbury, will have full access to material and any staff who wish to participate in the review.

The review report will be made available to Russell McVeagh staff and clients, the New Zealand Law Society and University Law Schools.