Hayes leaps to defence of society staff

LAW Society secretary general John Hayes has moved to stamp out public criticism of his senior staff by society president Martin Mears.

Last week's The Lawyer reported Mears' pledge to hold an inquiry into the circulation by his staff of a "deeply damaging" internal memo about him.

In a statement Hayes praised his staff, stressed his own control over staff matters and said no disciplinary issue had arisen. "I express my admiration and support for the staff in difficult times."

A meeting was held last week between Mears, his deputy Robert Sayer, vice-president Tony Girling and treasurer Mike Howells about the incident. None of the participants, however, would comment on what went on.