The case arose from the actions of Mr Shaw at and following the Firm’s annual conference in October 2022. Mr Shaw was, at that time, employed by the Firm in a senior role. It was alleged that Mr Shaw made inappropriate comments and engaged in unwanted physical contact with a number of colleagues, mostly much younger and more junior than he was. It was the Applicant’s case that some, but not all, of these interactions were sexual in nature and sexually motivated. The undisputed evidence of those affected was that they suffered distress as a result of the alleged conduct.

The conduct in question took place on one evening only, but it was repetitive and persistent in the sense that it involved a number of colleagues on separate occasions during that evening. Mr Shaw did not engage with the proceedings and did not dispute the factual allegations. The Tribunal found the allegations to be proved.

The Tribunal found Mr Shaw’s conduct damaged the reputation of the profession. It noted that Mr Shaw had not apologised or shown remorse in any meaningful way. The Tribunal therefore considered that there was a risk of him acting in the same way again.

The Tribunal was satisfied that a Section 43 Order was necessary, as it was undesirable for Mr Shaw to be involved in legal practice without the prior consent of the SRA. The order under Section 43 was not a prohibition on Mr Shaw being involved in legal practice; it simply required the prior consent of the SRA.