A male solicitor who sent inappropriate messages to three different women – including a barrister instructed by the firm in which he was in practice – has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
On the first day of a hearing listed for three days, the tribunal heard that Michael Peter Alexander, admitted in October 1988, admitted the three allegations against him.
Alexander admitted sending inappropriate and/or unwanted and/or sexually motivated WhatsApp messages to a barrister, Person A, in 2022 while in practice at Harwood Solicitors.
He also admitted that, in August 2023, whilst employed at Russell & Russell Solicitors LLP and other firms to have sent messages on Facebook messenger and WhatsApp and left two voicemails to Person B, whom he had told he was interested in employing as his personal assistant. The messages were alleged to be inappropriate and/or unwanted and/or sexually motivated.
Alexander also admitted sending inappropriate and/or unwanted LinkedIn messages the following year to Person C.
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Lydia Barnfather, for the Solicitors Regulation Authority, told the tribunal that Alexander met Person A in her professional capacity as a barrister and obtained her contact details. Barnfather said: ‘Originally the messages were about work. Person A tried to remain amicable and became concerned when the professional relationship became infiltrated with incredibly inappropriate comments.’
Messages included ‘references to him masturbating whilst thinking of her’ and ‘thinking of her posterior’. Barnfather said Person A ‘told him to stop and he persisted’.
‘She reminded him that she worked with him and to keep it professional. As a consequence of his conduct, she returned instructions and did not attend court,’ Barnfather said.
Barnfather added that despite an investigation by the firm and referral to the SRA, Alexander went on to repeat the conduct. 'Indeed, arguably even more egregiously and offensively towards Person B.'
Alexander contacted Person B on Facebook where his profile says he is a lawyer. Person B was ‘out of work for some time having previously been a barrister’s clerk’ and Alexander ‘indicated he could possibly employ her'.
Barnfather said Alexander told Person B she could ‘trust him because he was a solicitor and asked if she was naked in bed’ and ‘went on to say he was a horny bastard’.
‘When she says to keep this professional and that she cannot just take calls from you to chat, he goes on to call her a cheeky bitch,’ Barnfather added. ‘Person B repeatedly referenced to things being on a professional basis. The respondent continued to message her inappropriately.'
While under investigation for matters concerning Person A and B, Alexander contacted Person C on LinkedIn, where his profile identifies his profession, the SDT heard. He asked Person C on a lunch date and when she asked if she knew him, he replied ‘with a certain lack of humility “no but I am a top lawyer from Manchester”’, Barnfather said.
Making submissions on sanction, Barnfather said: ‘Widespread repeated misconduct directed towards women including [comments] of a sexist and degrading nature is unacceptable.’
Paul Douglass, for Alexander, said: ‘Through me [Alexander] would like to offer an unreserved apology to Person A, B and C for the distress he caused them. He recognises that his conduct will undermine public trust in the solicitors’ profession and he is ashamed to have acted in such a way.
‘He has reflected on these events, it has not been easy for him. He has finally gained insight into the necessity to observe professional boundaries in both professional and private communications [and the] absolute requirement to disengage from communications immediately when told they are unwelcome.’
The panel found Alexander’s admissions were properly made. Alexander was struck off and ordered to pay £75,000 costs.
