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The Law Society of NSW advertised a new book published by Dyson Heydon, the former High Court justice who sexually harassed six judge’s associates.
Almost five years from its condemnation of his misconduct, the NSW Law Society included an advertisement for his new book, Heydon on Contract: Particular Contracts, in its 3 March edition of Monday Briefs.
The bulletin was available to members only but was sighted by Lawyers Weekly after concerns were shared with this publication.
A spokesperson for the Law Society said the advertisement – which appeared below the president’s message, news, and a “what’s on” section – was “booked through our usual approval processes”.
“The Law Society will review its internal processes for approval and placement of advertisements,” the spokesperson said.
The advertisement directs those who click to bookseller Abbey’s, where it is being sold for $250. It is published by Sumner Publications, a company registered under Heydon’s name.
In June 2020, former High Court chief justice Susan Kiefel confirmed an independent inquiry found Heydon sexually harassed the six women and said the court was “ashamed this could have happened”.
The Law Society spokesperson said it remained committed to “promoting and advocating for safe work environments, particularly in the legal profession”.
The spokesperson added it stood by a statement issued by Law Society former president Richard Harvey after the results of the inquiry were released.
In it, Harvey said predatory behaviour by those in power was “inexcusable and must be eliminated”.
“The Law Society has not and will not shy away from confronting systemic inequality between men and women and, at an individual level, dealing with the distress that arises from sexual harassment,” Harvey said.
In the Monday Briefs advertisement, the title of Heydon’s new book appeared above a quote from the foreword, penned by Michael Kirby. The former High Court justice called it an “intellectual masterpiece”.
Kirby did not engage in questions asked of him by one of Nine’s publications.
Lawyers Weekly also heard allegations the Law Society had allowed Heydon to have “free access” to its library on Phillip Street, Sydney, for “several months”.
They also alleged Heydon was “well known” to library staff.
According to its website, only solicitors and their staff, as well as associate members, may attend and use the library. A search of its register of solicitors confirms Heydon could not be a member.
When asked about this allegation, the Law Society said it will not “provide information about those who access the Law Society library”.
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
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