![David Lester (senior partner at Blythe Liggins), Darryl Barnes, Jagdeep Sandher (head of dispute resolution at Blythe Liggins)[4]](https://d1d8vslyhr7rdg.cloudfront.net/Pictures/274x183/4/2/8/116428_davidlesterseniorpartneratblytheligginsdarrylbarnesjagdeepsandherheadofdisputeresolutionatblytheliggins4_981603_crop.jpg)
A solicitor with Big Four accountancy firm Deloitte has been charged with sexual misconduct over an alleged incident at a work party.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority said today it has decided there is a case to answer from Jassen Venkatasamy, admitted in 2018. The solicitor has told the Gazette he strongly denies any wrongdoing and intends to contest all allegations.
It is alleged that Venkasatamy, whilst attending a social event organised by Deloitte at the Waldorf Hotel in London in March 2022, kissed an unnamed person on the lips, an action which was inappropriate and/or unwanted and/or sexually motivated. He is no longer with the firm.
No further details have been given about the alleged incident.
The SRA stated that the allegations are subject to a hearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and are as yet unproven.
A Deloitte spokesperson: 'As this is an ongoing regulatory matter, it would not be appropriate to comment.'
* Update: In March 2024, Jassen Venkatasamy was cleared of misconduct by the SDT following a two-day hearing.
