Global law firm fires Perth-based partner following ‘serious misconduct’ allegations

Clifford Chance, one of the world’s biggest law firms, has terminated a partner in its Perth office following an internal investigation into allegations of serious misconduct.

As first reported by The West Australian, BigLaw firm Clifford Chance – which has offices in Perth and Sydney and more than 80 partners and lawyers Down Under – has confirmed the firing of a partner in its Perth-based team.

In a statement provided to Lawyers Weekly, HR Leader’s sister brand, a firm spokesperson said that, upon receiving complaints of serious misconduct, the firm immediately suspended the partner and launched an internal investigation.

That investigation has now concluded, the spokesperson went on, and “has resulted in the partner’s termination from the firm”.

The firm has not yet released the name of the partner in question, nor their practice area.

The firm’s global managing partner, Charles Adams, said: “We deeply regret what happened and that our colleagues were affected. We’ve offered and continue to make available our full support to these colleagues.”

“I want to thank them for speaking up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our commitment to a workplace where they are respected and where misconduct of any kind is completely unacceptable and will be robustly addressed.”

Connie Heng, the firm’s Asia-Pacific regional managing partner, said: “We recognise the gravity of the situation and are fully committed to learning from this experience and promoting a working environment where everyone is safe and respected and where misconduct of any kind is called out.”

“We have engaged the specialist consultancy firm Elizabeth Broderick & Co, which provides high-level strategic analysis, assessment, advice, and planning to organisations wishing to strengthen their workplace culture.”

Lawyers Weekly reached out to Elizabeth Broderick & Co about its investigation and was told to contact Clifford Chance.