Russell McVeagh investigating partner over inappropriate comments

Monday, 24 September 2018

A partner at a prominent law firm has been banned from work during an investigation into inappropriate comments.

Russell McVeagh is investigating a complaint which relates to a partner making inappropriate comments while attending a client event under the influence of alcohol.

In a statement to media, chairman Malcolm Crotty confirmed a partner had been restricted from the workplace while an independent investigation is underway.

'The seriousness with which we are treating this investigation confirms our commitment to building a culture of trust and transparency.

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'Everyone in the organisation knows what is expected of them and we will not tolerate any inappropriate behaviour.

'We expect to make a more detailed statement following the outcome of the investigation in the next 10 working days.'

We’re investigating a complaint of a partner making inappropriate comments at a client event under the influence of alcohol. “Everyone in our organisation knows what’s expected of them and we won’t tolerate any inappropriate behaviour.” – Malcolm Crottyhttps://t.co/z7vroxwDxA

— Russell McVeagh (@RussellMcVeagh) September 24, 2018

The firm hit headlines earlier this month when Crotty announced that Jo Avenell will join the firm on October 23, replacing outgoing chief executive Gary McDiarmid.

McDiarmid announced his retirement from the firm in June last year.

During that announcement, Crotty said the appointment was a pivotal moment in the firm's continued transformation following revelations of a culture rife with booze, bullying, and sexual harassment.

'This is a critically important appointment for our firm as we continue on our journey to building a safe, inclusive and people-focused culture that will underpin our future success,' Crotty said.

'We have acknowledged that we must lead behavioural and cultural change across our firm and we're confident in Jo's abilities to lead and support us in achieving this.'

The appointment came on the back of a report published by Dame Margaret Bazley in July, triggered by claims of sexual misconduct involving summer interns around December 2015.

Among her findings, Bazley reported that 'junior lawyers and young staff were encouraged to drink to excess', but also that after the incidents more than two years ago, the culture appeared to have changed.

'The board and partners are well into implementing all of the recommendations following Dame Margaret Bazley's review of the firm released in July,' Crotty said.

'We have charged ourselves with building a culture and a firm that reflects the values and aspirations of our people and clients.'