A solicitor has been struck off for creating a toxic workplace, characterised by violence and harassment.
- The individual involved was co-owner of Dominic Levent Solicitors, where the behaviour occurred.
- The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found multiple instances of offensive conduct, evidencing a harmful pattern.
- The solicitor’s actions led to junior staff facing both physical and emotional distress.
- The tribunal underscored breaches of integrity and professional standards.
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) has officially struck off a co-owner of a law firm for engaging in conduct described as “appalling”. This decision came after a series of incidents demonstrating violence and harassment towards junior colleagues were brought to light at Dominic Levent Solicitors, a firm based in North London.
The tribunal’s investigation revealed numerous instances of inappropriate behaviour, noting that the motivations for such conduct appeared deeply rooted in the individual’s character. In one such instance, the co-owner was reported to have shouted at a trainee solicitor during a meeting with a client, placing his face uncomfortably close to hers. Other verbal abuses were also documented, including the use of homophobic slurs and misogynistic terms during workplace conversations.
The environment created by the co-owner was deemed so unsafe that staff were instructed to work from home, following instructions from the other co-director, Levent Hasan. This decision came after reports indicated the extent of the harmful workplace atmosphere and the distress it caused. Even law students completing work experience were advised by their universities to leave the firm immediately upon becoming aware of the situation.
Further corroborating evidence included physical assaults, such as an instance where a student was kicked on the ankle after the co-owner violently kicked a bag. Another serious allegation involved inappropriate comments towards a paralegal about her appearance, which led to a significant discomfort at work.
There were also reported incidents involving malicious communications. The tribunal found that the co-owner made numerous false and harmful statements about colleagues to various parties, including an accusatory email sent to a barrister that negatively referred to the actions of the firm’s other director. These communications aimed to damage the professional reputations of those colleagues, showing a lack of integrity and professionalism.
The SDT concluded that the conduct involved not just a failure in maintaining professional standards, but also exhibited a pattern of bullying, harassment, and physical aggression. This behaviour was not only damaging to the immediate working environment but also impacted the firm’s clients and external reputation. As a result, the individual has been removed from the register and ordered to pay significant costs.
The tribunal’s ruling reinforces the necessity for maintaining professional integrity and a safe workplace in legal practice.
