The law firm Baker McKenzie has terminated the contract of Stefano Mariani, a tax attorney who is facing allegations of sexual assault. Mariani’s former colleague, identified only as X, alleges that the senior attorney sexually assaulted her during his tenure at the Hong Kong firm Deacons. The abuse was initially non-physical, with Mariani belittling her and using his influence over her to create a sense of inferiority, eventually leading to direct sexual harassment in 2021, Roll on Friday reports.
According to X’s claims, Mariani would make derogatory remarks about her, kiss her forcibly and tell her to keep their interactions secret. The alleged abuse escalated from there, with X claiming Mariani invited her to his house under false pretexts, undressed her without warning and forced himself on her. Although X entered into a sexual relationship with Mariani following these events, she found it difficult to describe it as “entirely consensual”, as she was under Mariani’s controlling influence.
X’s allegations extend to Mariani making inappropriate comments about colleagues, boasting about his temperament, and making disturbing comments about animal abuse. X was also under the impression that if she didn’t comply, Mariani would sabotage her career in law.
The allegations took a darker turn when X claimed that Mariani coerced her into having uncomfortable sexual relations, causing further emotional and physical distress. After X reported Mariani to Deacons, the firm updated their code of conduct to clarify that coercive and exploitative relationships will not be tolerated.
Following the allegations, Mariani was fired from Deacons earlier this year. Ironically, he was hired by Baker McKenzie only three months later, according to reports.
As sexual misconduct allegations become all too common in the legal field, it’s crucial that firms take these allegations seriously and act swiftly to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment. Policies need to be put into place to prevent recurring behaviour and to ensure that victims of sexual assault and harassment feel empowered to speak out.