Former facilities assistant faces restrictions after SRA investigation into workplace conduct
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has imposed restrictions on a former law firm employee after finding it undesirable for him to work in legal practice without prior regulatory approval following allegations of inappropriate conduct towards junior female colleagues. John Enright, who worked as a facilities assistant at TLT LLP’s Manchester office between January 2019 and July 2024, agreed to the imposition of a section 43 order under the Solicitors Act 1974.
The order prevents him from working for or being remunerated by a solicitor, recognised body or legal practice without the SRA’s prior permission. He also agreed to pay the investigation costs of £300. According to the regulator, the investigation concerned conduct between February and April 2024 involving several junior female employees at the firm.
The SRA said Enright identified and selected the employees “based upon a visual assessment” of them in the workplace before obtaining items described as inappropriate and sending unwanted messages through the firm’s internal messaging system. The regulator stated that Enright falsely claimed the items had been supplied to him free of charge, when they had in fact been purchased by him specifically for the employees.
The SRA said the employees became increasingly uncomfortable with the conduct but initially felt reluctant to report it because of concerns linked to their junior status within the firm and fears about the possible impact on their careers and reputations.
Following internal reports, the regulator said a “clear pattern of sexually motivated conduct” emerged, directed at a particular category of employee. The SRA stated that when confronted by the firm, Enright initially denied obtaining the items himself. According to the decision notice, he later admitted the conduct after evidence was recovered from his workstation.
In its findings, the regulator said the behaviour involved a “clear and calculated pattern” over a sustained period rather than an isolated incident. The SRA also concluded that the conduct lacked integrity and undermined public trust and confidence in legal services.
The regulator further noted that the conduct targeted junior female staff, caused those involved to feel vulnerable or uncomfortable, and was considered by Enright to be an “alternative outlet” to previous issues with alcohol addiction. The SRA said it considered there to be a future risk of repetition in similar circumstances, which contributed to its decision to impose the section 43 order.