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 [...]
Lawyer who played key role in Brexit case set for disciplinary tribunal over dishonesty claims August 5, 2019 The vice-president of the Law Society is set to face a disciplinary tribunal later this month over claims of dishonesty. David Greene, who acted for a claimant on the Article 50 litigation in 2016, is set to appear before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) on 13 August. The claim centres around £7,000 in unpaid fees [...]
Former Baker McKenzie London head Gary Senior to face prosecution for alleged sexual harassment July 30, 2019 The former head of global legal giant Baker McKenzie’s London office is facing prosecution for alleged sexual harassment, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) said today. Gary Senior, who left the firm last year, has been referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) to face allegations he “behaved in an inappropriate manner towards Person A”. In [...]
Freshfields partner to face tribunal after sexual misconduct allegations June 19, 2019 The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) has rejected an attempt by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner Ryan Beckwith to have a sexual misconduct case against him thrown out. A junior lawyer at the firm alleged Beckwith had sex with her after a work event when she was heavily intoxicated and her decision making was impaired. Beckwith will [...]
Solicitor at magic circle law firm Allen & Overy facing disciplinary action over Harvey Weinstein non-disclosure agreement April 3, 2019 A solicitor at magic circle law firm Allen & Overy has been referred to a disciplinary tribunal over a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) signed by a former assistant of Harvey Weinstein. Paul Philips, the chief executive of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), told MPs today that the case was referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal last [...]