Law schools cut ties with firm

All six of the New Zealand’s university law schools have cut ties with law firm Russell McVeagh.

The firm, which provides legal services to the government, is in the spotlight over serious allegations of sexual misconduct levelled at two senior lawyers at its Wellington office, two years ago, and separate revelations of alcohol-fuelled sex in a boardroom.

Auckland University is the most recent to split with the firm.

Its dean of law, Andrew Stockley said Russell McVeagh should have made a much stronger apology and publicly recognised the harm that some women law students have experienced.

Otago University’s Law faculty has cancelled a workshop for students, usually delivered by Russell McVeigh staff on campus.

The university has also offered to cover funding for an interview competition usually funded by the law firm.

Both events were due to be held this month.

All of the universities have said they would reconsider their links with the firm once it has finished its own review into how it deals with sexual harassment.