Russell McVeagh bars partner from workplace amid claim of 'inappropriate comments'

September 24, 2018
Review of law firm Russell McVeagh finds excessive drinking culture

The law firm Russel McVeagh, which has already been at the centre of complaints of sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual conduct, now says it is investigating a complaint of a partner making inappropriate comments while attending a client event under the influence of alcohol.

In a statement this evening, Chair Malcolm Crotty confirmed a partner has been restricted from the workplace while an independent investigation is underway.

"The seriousness with which we are treating this investigation confirms our commitment to building a culture of trust and transparency," Mr Crotty said.

"Everyone in the organisation knows what is expected of them and we will not tolerate any inappropriate behaviour.

"We expect to make a more detailed statement following the outcome of the investigation in the next 10 working days," he said.

In July, a report found Russell McVeagh had a culture involving "excessive drinking" and at times involving "crude, drunken and sexually inappropriate behaviour".

The external review by Dame Margaret Bazley investigated complaints of sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual conduct made by five female clerks who were employed by the law firm during the summer of 2015-2016.

The report outlined the alleged incidents which included a male partner trying to kiss and touch four clerks at a Christmas party. The male partner and another male solicitor were also accused of inappropriate sexual conduct at two other events in following weeks.

Dame Margaret said Russel McVeagh failed to investigate the incidents and the firm "did not establish what happened to whom" and "did not understand the gravity of the situation".

The poor management of the complaints led to serious consequences for the people involved and the clerks losing faith in the legal profession, Dame Margaret said.

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