In a recent development at the esteemed Magic Circle firm Linklaters, a partner has been prohibited from consuming alcohol at any firm events following allegations of inappropriate behavior. The incident, which occurred during an offsite work event, involved the partner groping a junior colleague and making sexually suggestive comments to another employee.
The allegations, first reported by Roll on Friday, describe the partner as being “fuelled” by alcohol during the incident. He allegedly touched the bottom of a junior female colleague and asked a trainee, “Am I going to your room tonight?” The conduct made the female team members uncomfortable, prompting them to report the incidents to the firm.
In response, Linklaters issued a “final” warning to the partner and instituted a ban on his consumption of alcohol at firm events. The firm emphasized the expectation of high standards of behavior in alignment with their values. “We always take concerns about conduct extremely seriously and where concerns are raised, we investigate them fully and promptly and take the action we determine appropriate in the circumstances,” stated a spokesperson from Linklaters.
It is worth noting that this is not Linklaters’ first attempt to manage alcohol-related misconduct. In 2020, the firm introduced the concept of sober chaperones—designated individuals who refrain from drinking during events, aimed at mitigating risks associated with alcohol-fueled behavior. Despite such measures, there remain concerns within the firm about the safety and comfort of young female colleagues at these gatherings, highlighting ongoing challenges in creating a safe and respectful workplace environment.
For further details on the firm’s previous measures, you can read more here.