25 Jun 2021

Former lawyer on culture within the legal profession

From Morning Report, 7:45 am on 25 June 2021

A former Russell McVeagh partner has been found guilty of sexual misconduct by the legal profession's disciplinary body.

The tribunal has found James Desmond Gardner-Hopkins's actions in 2015 met the threshold of being disgraceful or dishonourable.

Five incidents at two Christmas parties in 2015 involved drunken behaviour with junior staff members, while the sixth charge related to his behaviour at another firm function held at his home.

Former lawyer Olivia Wensley has publicly raised concerns about problems within the legal profession.

She spoke to Susie Ferguson.