A case management hearing at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) scheduled for today regarding allegations of sexual misconduct at international firm Baker McKenzie has been cancelled.
Representatives of Gary Senior, former London managing partner, Thomas Kennedy Cassels, former partner, and Martin Lawrence Blackburn, former head of HR, had been due to attend a case management hearing at the tribunal's offices this morning. Baker McKenzie itself is also being prosecuted by the Solicitors Regulation Authoriity.
Senior, who was admitted in 1986, is accused of trying to embrace and kiss ‘Person A’ in 2012 despite receiving no indication of consent, and persisted despite Person A indicating that it was not appropriate. Senior, who was a partner at the time, allegedly acted knowing he was in a position of authority and responsibility.
Cassels and Blackburn are accused of failing to cause Person A’s complaint to be effectively or independently investigated. They allegedly allowed Senior to use his powerful position in the firm to improperly influence or seek to influence the investigation.
The firm last month issued a statement in response to the charges.
According to the SDT, the case management hearing is no longer necessary as all parties have agreed to procedural matters. It has been vacated as a result.
The substantive hearing will commence on 2 December and is listed for 15 days.
