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2 women sexually harassed by late Supreme Court judge win settlement
Two women, who were sexually harassed by a former Supreme Court judge, have won settlements after first coming forward in 2020.
Lauren Croft
Maurice Blackburn had achieved a legal settlement for two women who were sexually harassed by late Supreme Court judge Peter Vickery when they were associates.
The former Supreme Court judge, who died of natural courses in April this year, was found to have sexually assaulted the two women in February following the release of Ms Eastman’s report, before sexual harassment was revealed to be widespread in the Victorian court system.
Mr Bornstein said the firm was pleased to have secured an outcome for the two women, whose lives had been significantly affected by what occurred.
“At the time they were sexually harassed, they were aged in their early 20s and the judge was in his 60s. In addition to deploying sexualised poetry and unwelcome sexual advances, Mr Vickery also put his hand between the thighs of one of the women and on another occasion kissed her on the lips.
“It was a gross abuse of power by one of our state’s most senior judges against two young women who were just starting out on their legal careers. The conduct of the judge had a profound, damaging impact on both women. One no longer works as a lawyer,” he said.
“The failure of the Supreme Court to properly investigate and respond to the first case of sexual harassment at that time increased the risk of recidivism by the judge. The women are to be commended for their courage and tenacity in pursuing this matter against powerful individuals and institutions.”
Maurice Blackburn, on behalf of the two women, made multimillion-dollar claims to the state of Victoria with a request to engage in mediation without the need to bring formal legal proceedings.
The mediation process resolved both cases; however, the settlement sums remain confidential, according to the firm.
Lauren Croft
Lauren is a journalist at Lawyers Weekly and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Macleay College. Prior to joining Lawyers Weekly, she worked as a trade journalist for media and travel industry publications and Travel Weekly. Originally born in England, Lauren enjoys trying new bars and restaurants, attending music festivals and travelling. She is also a keen snowboarder and pre-pandemic, spent a season living in a French ski resort.
