The Law Society's outgoing president Jacque Lethbridge said she was reflecting on her approach and communication style after the critical report. Photo: RNZ
The president of the Law Society has resigned after a critical culture review found she behaved in a way that was "aggressive and irrational".
A culture review has found Law Society president Jacque Lethbridge's behaviour was inappropriate and unreasonable.
The review was commissioned from former solicitor-general Mike Heron when the relationship between Lethbridge and the society's then chief executive broke down.
Board of the New Zealand Law Society vice president David Campbell said Heron's review found that Lethbridge was "genuinely well-motivated", but her behaviour to staff was not fitting for a president.
"Mr Heron KC reported that on balance, considering all the statements and submissions received, the president behaved in a manner which some employees experienced as aggressive and irrational.
"While Mr Heron found that the president was genuinely well motivated and did not intend the consequences that occurred, the behaviour was inappropriate and described as unreasonable for a person in the position of president," Campbell said.
In his review, Heron recommended the implementation of a delegated authority policy clarifying the relationship between the board and the chief executive.
He also recommended a job description for pbe endorsed by the board.
"The board accepts the report and will be working with the executive leadership team to act on the recommendations made by Mr Heron KC, as an additional part of the wider transformation work plan that is already underway," Campbell said.
"The acting executive director has also received the resignation of Jacque Lethbridge as President effective immediately."
"A new president will be appointed by the council shortly," Campbell said.
The Law Society's outgoing president Jacque Lethbridge said she was reflecting on her approach and communication style after the critical report.
Lethbridge said her goal was to champion the interests of the legal profession and to effect much needed change.
She now intends to focus on her legal practice.
When the Law Society's presidency is vacated, the Law Society Council has the power to appoint a new president to serve the remainder of the term of office - the current term is due to expire in April 2023.
Campbell said a new president would be appointed by the Law Society Council shortly.
