When: 23 March 2021, 6-8pm
Following a renewed commitment by the legal profession to stamping out harassment and bullying, and as many staff from across the country return to work after the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that law practices, chambers and other legal workplaces create environments in which bullying and harassment can be addressed, and in which staff are encouraged and willing to raise their voice. As part of the Society's annual CPD program, NSW Labor Lawyers are pleased to be hosting Commissioner for Legal Services Mr John McKenzie for an Ethics CPD on 'Harassment and Bullying in the Profession'.
Mr McKenzie will be answering a range of questions including:
- What are the relevant legal profession rules regulating harassment and bullying?
- What is the avenue for complaints through the Commission and who can make a formal complaint?
- How are witnesses treated and protected by the Commission?
- What are the punishments and other consequences for individuals and law practices found to have engaged in harassment and/or bullying?
- What kind of directions can the Commissioner give to law practices?
- How can employers create cultural change to minimise the incidence of bullying and harassment in their workplaces?
- What is the impact (if any) of non-disclosure agreements and how can the Commission still assist despite an NDA?
- This is a free CPD event but donations to the Society are welcome to cover event costs.
If this educational activity is relevant to your immediate or long-term needs in relation to your professional development and practice of the law, then you can claim one point per hour of formal presentation (1 Ethics CPD Point).
About John McKenzie
A solicitor for 34 years, prior to becoming Commission Mr McKenzie worked as an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law, largely for the Aboriginal Legal Service and on the staff of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. He also worked in private practice, at Legal Aid and at community legal centres. Mr McKenzie was appointed the NSW Legal Services Commissioner in 2015 to head the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner which has the statutory responsibility for all complaints against lawyers.