A law firm boss has been banned from the legal profession after joking about raffling off a junior colleague's virginity at a work conference. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal heard that Darren Shaw made the lewd remark during a firm-wide event in Manchester in November 2022.
Inappropriate Comments at Work Dinner
Darren Shaw, then head of financial products at Spinningfields-based personal injury firm Keller Postman UK, made the comment when a raffle prize was announced as a 'Virgin Experience Day'. He loudly joked, 'I didn’t realise you could win a night with [Colleague A]'. The tribunal also heard multiple complaints from female colleagues about Shaw's harassment later that evening.
Unwanted Advances and Touching
One female staff member, who uses a wheelchair, said Shaw took her hands and tried to pull her onto the dancefloor. Despite her repeated refusals, he replied, 'Oh stop, you’re teasing me'. Another woman told the tribunal that after initially agreeing to dance, Shaw prevented her from leaving, put his hands on her waist, pulled her close, and whispered 'I haven't finished yet', then moved his hand to her stomach and leg. A colleague intervened and pulled her away.
Other Incidents
Shaw also told one woman, 'Has anyone ever told you you're beautiful, gorgeous, really attractive?' and told another she was 'too pretty to be single'. The women reported feeling 'violated' and 'uncomfortable'.
Internal Disciplinary Action
Following internal proceedings, Shaw received a final written warning, including conditions to abstain from alcohol at work events, obtain prior approval to attend functions, and maintain isolation from female staff outside Manchester.
Tribunal Ruling
Shaw, of Bramhall, Stockport, did not appear at the tribunal but emailed that he had not intended to cause 'harm or distress', as it was 'not in my DNA'. The panel found his actions constituted a failure to maintain professional boundaries, abuse of seniority, and behaviour apt to cause offence and distress. He was banned from the legal profession unless granted prior consent by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and ordered to pay £20,670 in costs.
