Solicitors’ watchdog will not appeal against decision not to strike off ex-Freshfields partner Ryan Beckwith after ‘inappropriate’ sex case February 24, 2020 Solicitors’ watchdog the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) said today it will not seek to appeal against a tribunal decision that allowed former Freshfields partner Ryan Beckwith to remain a member of the profession. In October, restructuring lawyer Ryan Beckwith was fined £35,000 and ordered to pay costs of £200,000 by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT). [...]
Ex-Freshfields partner escaped strike-off after sexual incident because it was a ‘one-off’ February 4, 2020 A former high-flying Freshfields partner escaped being struck off after a sexual encounter with a junior lawyer because it was a “one-off incident” and “his judgement had been affected by the amount of alcohol he had consumed”, a tribunal ruling published today said. Restructuring lawyer Ryan Beckwith was fined £35,000 and ordered to pay costs [...]
Freshfields partner exits after investigation in latest #MeToo case December 12, 2019 A Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner left the firm this week after an investigation into a suspected #MeToo case. Disputes and investigations partner Nick Williams left the firm on Wednesday following an investigation into his conduct. Website Legal Week reported that his exit was related to #MeToo concerns. A spokesperson for Freshfields said: “We can confirm [...]
Junior lawyer felt ‘cast aside’ by Baker McKenzie after alleged sexual harassment December 3, 2019 A junior lawyer who was allegedly sexually harassed by Baker Mckenzie’s former London managing partner Gary Senior said she felt like she was “cast aside” by the firm following the incident in 2012. Giving evidence to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal today, the lawyer (known as Person A), said: “My feeling at the time was I [...]
Nearly half of in-house lawyers asked to advise on unethical issues October 28, 2019 A survey of in-house lawyers published today has found that 45 per cent have been asked to advise on something ethically debatable. The study shines a light on the tightrope in-house lawyers have to walk between acting commercially and upholding professional ethics. Read more: Firms must stop using NDAs to cover up harassment, say MPs [...]
Ex-Freshfields partner escapes strike off after sexual misconduct allegations upheld October 10, 2019 An ex-Freshfields partner escaped being struck off today after a tribunal found he had engaged in sexual activity with a heavily intoxicated junior lawyer. Ryan Beckwith, 41, tearfully hugged and kissed his wife after the sanction was handed down. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) fined Beckwith £35,000 and ordered him to pay costs of £200,000. [...]
Ex-Freshfields lawyer accused of lying about sex assault allegations October 2, 2019 An ex-Freshfields lawyer was today accused of fabricating her account of an alleged non-consensual sexual encounter with a married partner at the firm. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal heard evidence from the unnamed female lawyer, known as Person A, who accused Freshfields partner Ryan Beckwith, 41, of sexually assaulting her at her flat after an evening [...]
Ex-Freshfields lawyer says incident with married partner left her with mental health problems October 1, 2019 A former Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer lawyer told a court today that an alleged incident of non-consensual sexual activity with a married partner at the firm had left her feeling “absolutely terrible” and in need of ongoing mental health support. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal heard the lawyer give evidence from behind a screen about the allegations [...]
Baker Mckenzie boosts revenue and profit despite testing year August 29, 2019 Global legal giant Baker Mckenzie said today its revenue grew 1.2 per cent to $2.92bn (£2.39bn) in the last financial year. Baker Mckenzie has suffered a tough year with the shock death of global managing partner and former London chief Paul Rawlinson in April. Read more: Law firm Baker McKenzie confirms death of global chair [...]
Disgraced former Labour MP Fiona Onasanya struck off as a solicitor August 6, 2019 Disgraced former Labour MP Fiona Onasanya was struck off as a solicitor today after a hearing in London. Read more: Former Labour whip found guilty of perverting the course of justice The ex-Labour whip was found guilty of perverting the course of justice in December after lying to police to avoid a speeding fine. The [...]