SDT rules that misconduct by Lewis Brady harmed the profession’s reputation, suspends him for one year
A London-based solicitor has been suspended for 12 months after the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) found he sexually touched two female colleagues without consent during alcohol-fuelled work social events.
Lewis Brady, 33, who worked at the US firm Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe, was cleared of seven other allegations but found culpable in two separate incidents, both involving female co-workers. The SDT noted the “work hard, play hard” culture at the firm, where long hours were followed by heavy drinking and blurred professional boundaries.
Brady, who qualified in 2017, was accused of inappropriate behaviour by Person A, a paralegal, and Person B, a managing associate. The SDT acknowledged that the allegations related to events outside the workplace, but said such conduct still engaged key principles of the solicitors’ code of conduct, particularly those concerning integrity and public confidence.
In October 2021, following a firm-organised wine tasting, Brady attended a private dinner where he repeatedly touched Person A’s bottom. The tribunal ruled the touching was unwanted, sexually motivated, and caused distress. She confided in a colleague about the incident.
The SDT found that while Brady’s behaviour harmed public trust in the profession, it did not constitute an abuse of power, as he and Person A had similar levels of seniority and worked in different teams.
In a second proven incident, Brady and Person B shared a late-night taxi ride in March 2022 after another night of drinking. He touched her breast under her clothing three times, despite her repeatedly smacking his hand away and telling him to stop.
Embed from Getty ImagesDays later, Person B messaged him demanding an apology and reassurance it wouldn’t happen again. Brady responded: “Holy fuck… I’m not even sure what I was doing. I had an awful feeling the next day I was being inappropriate… I am sorry.” She replied: “It’s okay, I just need to know it won’t happen again… And when I say no, I mean no.”
Brady was cleared of other accusations, including one made at a Christmas drinks party, where the alleged victim said she was on “high alert” but no corroborating evidence emerged.
In mitigation, Brady claimed he had misread signals from Person A, believing she reciprocated his interest. Regarding Person B, he said their close relationship confused him. He revealed they had exchanged over 10,000 personal messages, blurring the lines between professional and personal interaction.
Brady said the disciplinary proceedings had a profound impact on his mental health, leading to depression and suicidal thoughts. He submitted several character references and noted his previously unblemished record with the regulator.
The SDT acknowledged his remorse and the cultural context of the firm, describing the touching as spontaneous and alcohol-related, but also noted the significant impact on both victims. Person A sought specialist psychological support, while Person B said the incident harmed her marriage and career.
The tribunal also cited the post-lockdown context, which it said was a period of psychological and social adjustment, though this was only a minor consideration in its final decision.
Ultimately, the SDT determined that Brady’s conduct damaged the reputation of the profession and merited a fixed-term suspension of 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £95,000 in costs.
