Legal researcher Zoe Lawton has been blacklisted by a Government agency after creating a #metoo blog.

A partner at a Wellington law firm left shortly before Christmas after two "behavioural incidents".

The departure of the unnamed partner at DLA Piper, in Customhouse Quay, follows reports of sexual misconduct at Wellington law firm Russell McVeagh, and allegations that a culture of harassment was rife in the legal profession.

BuckettLaw senior employment lawyer Barbara Buckett said her Wellington firm currently had about six cases on its books from within the legal profession, each with "sexual connotations" ranging from inappropriate sexual behaviour to sexual discrimination.

STUFF The door to DLA Piper New Zealand's Wellington offices, where a lawyer left shortly before Christmas after two "behavioural incidents".

"None of the big [law] organisations are free from it. It is innate there."

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The pattern was usually the same, she said. The incidents involved older men, their younger female juniors, alcohol, and after-work events.

STUFF DLA Piper New Zealand's Wellington offices, on Customhouse Quay.

A source familiar with the DLA Piper New Zealand case said the partner had been under orders not to go to work functions unsupervised before a party around Christmas last year. It is understood he went to that party, where an incident happened, after which he left the firm.

DLA Piper New Zealand country managing partner Martin Wiseman would not discuss specifics of the case, but confirmed two "behavioural incidents" happened during 2017 and were reported to the Law Society (NZLS).

The affected staff member from each incident reported it to management and the human resources team, he said.

ROBERT KITCHIN/STUFF Russell McVeagh in Wellington has taken the brunt of allegations so far.

"The firm investigated the incident and, subsequent to the second incident in December 2017, the incidents were reported to the Law Society by DLA Piper New Zealand under the confidential reporting regime.

"Both incidents are being investigated by the NZLS standards committee. As a result, the firm is not able to discuss any other aspects of the incidents or the individuals involved.

"The firm took immediate steps in both cases to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the staff members involved."

The firm later confirmed the person subject to the Law Society process left just before Christmas.

A Law Society spokesman said it was not legally able to comment on whether a complaint or other referral had been received.

Buckett said the Harvey Weinstein and Russell McVeagh cases, as well as a #Metoo blog set up by legal researcher Zoe Lawton, had led to a "tsunami" of fresh cases.

"It's a big avalanche really."

The spike in cases was like "Pandora's box lid being lifted", she said. "People are feeling more confident [to come forward]."