The claims being made against a top law firm is more evidence that New Zealand has a problem with the treatment of young women in the workplace.

It's been revealed a young woman allegedly experienced sexually inappropriate behaviour while clerking at a major Wellington law firm.

Russell McVeagh immediately conducted a full internal investigation, and those subject to the enquires have since left the firm.

READ MORE: Staff leave top law firm after 'serious' sexual assault allegations

Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Grant Guilford told Mike Hosking while this case was a shock, he doesn't believe it's isolated.

"I do think we do have a systemic issue with regards to the treatment of young women and other young people in the workplace. This is not the first type I have had to deal with this type of complaint from work places around the country."

That incident that has been reported by website Newsroom occured around two years ago, though Guilford says it's not the first time he's had to deal with this type of complaint from workplaces around the country.

"People obviously understand that rape is harmful, but when you come to the less extreme physical assault people don't understand the catastrophic effect that has on a young person's confidence."

LISTEN TO GRANT GUILFORD TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE