The Crown Solicitor for Hamilton, Jacinda Hamilton is currently under investigation over unhealthy workplace allegations. The lawyer’s office is currently being investigated by New Zealand’s top legal advisor, the Solicitor General, after several complaints were filed by staff members.
A Crown Solicitor is a lawyer who is appointed by the Governor-General to be responsible for prosecution of serious criminal cases in a particular region of the country. New Zealand has sixteen Crown Solicitors, all holding a Crown Warrant. These lawyers have authority over how serious criminal cases are prosecuted. From working with police officers, trying to build cases to their ability to add, modify and withdraw charges, they have significant responsibilities. So such allegations against Jacinda are notorious in the legal system.
Crown Solicitor Jacinda, who holds the Crown Warrant, has recently attracted negative attention and is under scrutiny because she was the leader of the office and had a major role in setting workplace culture. Approximately ten individual staff members have reportedly left the office over the last two years due to the work environment. These allegations have raised concerns for the mental health of the current employees working.
Hamilton responded “thanks for reaching out” when questioned about the investigation, adding, “I’m sorry, I can’t comment.”
There are further proclamations that Crown prosecutions have not been handled properly, with concerns about attitude towards the defence and the judiciary. According to various new articles regarding the matter, it is stated that the Law Society’s National Friends Panel was approached by staff members of ‘Hamilton Legal.’ The staff members were assisted by Rachael Reed, a lawyer, to draft a letter to Crown Law. This is the letter that escalated and brought attention to the matter by reaching the Solicitor General.
News outlets have received confirmation that the investigation will be led by Maria Dew KC. This investigation will include interviews with senior members of the police, defence bar and judiciary, to see whether the allegations have any weight.
Although Jacinda is still prosecuting trials as Crown Solicitor, she has stepped back from her staff management role as the investigation has begun. Michael Heron KC, a former Solicitor General has been called to act as a sounding board on the case. This is followed by the Crown Law requesting that all inquiries regarding the investigation go through them.
New development was confirmed by Solicitor-General Una Jagose KC, confirming that this investigation was initiated in response to an anonymous complaint received. Jagose affirmed that the allegations are in relation to workplace conduct and did not concern with the performance of the Crown Solicitor, as a senior prosecutor to the Crown.
As the investigation moves forward, Crown Law has requested the media and the public to respect the fair and impartial process underway and to not publish the name of the person complained about. In the history of Aotearoa, no Crown Solicitor has ever been removed from office. If there is strong evidence, Hamilton may make history.
Maintaining a healthy workplace culture and treating all staff members with respect and dignity is of utmost importance. The legal system is the pillar of society to access justice for everyone, and it is essential for those involved in this field, specifically the administration team, to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
This case will be closely watched by many, awaiting for the outcome as it will set a precedent for future similar cases in the legal system for many lawyers, current and future law students to interpret and learn from.
