"We will not tolerate abusive behaviour from anyone within the firm"
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan wants the world to know it’s not fooling around when it comes to inappropriate behaviour.
The litigation powerhouse has sacked Mark Hastings, a high-profile senior lawyer who came to the firm in early 2017 from Addleshaw Goddard. He was the head of civil fraud at the London-headquartered corporate law firm. He also worked at Herbert Smith Freehills.
An investigation that commenced after two staff members alleged in February that Hastings acted inappropriately has resulted in Hastings being “expelled from the firm with immediate effect and without compensation,” the firm said in a statement.
“Quinn Emanuel takes allegations of the nature made against Mr Hastings extremely seriously. We will not tolerate abusive behaviour from anyone within the firm,” it said.
Hastings was first suspended by the firm pending the investigation. Quinn Emanuel tapped Alison Levitt, a former Director of Public Prosecutions legal adviser, to head the investigation.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is deciding on whether additional action is needed in the matter. Quinn Emanuel has already reported to the SRA, as all UK law firms are required to self-report misconduct.
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