Mishcon de Reya partner on guest list for scandal-hit Presidents Club charity dinner
Real estate partner Nick Minkoff named on infamous guest list for male-only charity dinner where hostesses were allegedly subjected to sexual harassment
January 24, 2018 at 01:08 PM
3 minute read
A Mishcon de Reya partner is among hundreds of men named on the guestlist for the Presidents Club Charity Dinner at the centre of a sexual harassment scandal, Legal Week has learned.
Real estate partner Nick Minkoff is listed as a guest at the men-only charity event, at which an undercover Financial Times (FT) reporter saw hostesses subject to "groping, lewd comments" and "repeated requests" to join attendees in bedrooms at London's Dorchester hotel.
Minkoff has been a partner with Mishcon for eight years and prior to joining the firm was a partner at SJ Berwin for 12 years. He specialises in investment acquisitions and disposals and commercial and residential development.
His firm confirmed that he attended the event "in order to support good causes".
In a statement, Mishcons said: "The existence of male only events of the type operated by the Presidents Club are contrary to the core values of Mishcon de Reya, specifically that we always aim to foster a culture which thrives on diversity and respect for the individual. The firm endeavours in all its matters and dealings to be an inclusive environment where everyone can realise their full potential.
"The actions that took place that night were deplorable and should be condemned. They have no legitimate place in society.
"Nick is embarrassed by being associated with this event and has confirmed that he never personally witnessed any of the reported behaviours but does not dispute them. He himself condemns any such behaviours."
The FT report details how hostesses were subject to harassment over a six-hour period, during a charity auction that saw guests bidding on lots including "a night at Soho's Windmill strip club and a course of plastic surgery with the invitation to: 'Add spice to your wife'".
Great Ormond Street Hospital today issued a statement saying that the hospital was "shocked" by the nature of the event, adding that it would "no longer accept gifts from the Presidents Club Charitable Trust".
The Presidents Club this afternoon announced that it would close. It said in a statement: "The trustees have decided that the Presidents Club will not host any further fundraising events. Remaining funds will be distributed in an efficient manner to children's charities and it will then be closed."
Minkoff was contacted for comment.
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