A lawyer who engaged in 'inappropriate conduct' at a social event organised by Clifford Chance has been banned from being involved in a legal practice without the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s consent.
Jacobus Johannes Swart was employed by Clifford Chance in its London office as an ‘associate or equivalent’ between 10 January 2022 and 11 March 2022.
In February 2022, the firm held a social event. In a published employee-related decision, the SRA said: ‘At that event, it was found that Mr Swart engaged in conduct towards a colleague that was inappropriate and/or unwanted and/or sexually motivated.’
The firm launched an investigation and Swart was suspended while the investigation was ongoing. He then resigned from the firm.
The firm reported the matter to the SRA.
Imposing a section 43(2) order of the Solicitors Act 1974, the regulator said South African lawyer Swart’s conduct meant ‘it was undesirable for him to be involved in a legal practice without the SRA’s prior approval’.
It added: ‘Mr Swart’s conduct was serious because during a work event he touched a colleague in an inappropriate and/or unwanted and/or sexually motivated manner without consent, causing them distress. His behaviour had a long-term impact on them.’
The section 43 order means Swart cannot be employed or remunerated by a solicitor, employee of a solicitor or recognised body or manager except where the SRA provides prior written permission.
Swart, who is believed to have moved to South Africa, was also ordered to pay a proportion of the SRA’s costs of £1,350.
A Clifford Chance spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm that Jacobus Johannes Swart was employed as an associate by Clifford Chance from January 2022 to March 2022, after which point he was no longer an employee.’
