BLP begins 'extensive review' into charity links as 'embarassed' partner apologises for Presidents Club ties
'Extremely embarrassed' partner expresses 'deep regret' for attendance at scandal-hit charity dinner
January 29, 2018 at 08:55 AM
3 minute read
BLP has begun an "extensive" review of all of its charity associations and played down the scope of its relationship with the now-defunct Presidents Club Charitable Trust, with international commercial disputes head Graham Shear apologising for his links to the charity.
Legal Week revealed last week that Shear had served as a committee member for the charity, and BLP confirmed today (29 January) that he attended its annual dinner, which made headlines last week after a Financial Times report revealed that hostesses at the event were subject to "groping and lewd comments".
The firm had been approached for comment on multiple occasions since news of Shear's links emerged last week, but only issued a statement today.
BLP is also listed as the Presidents Club's solicitors on all five of its most recent annual accounts filed with the Charity Commission. However, the firm denied that it served as principal adviser to the charity and insisted that it only carried out "occasional" pro bono work.
The firm stated: "BLP is not, as incorrectly stated in The Presidents Club Trustees' Annual Report, The Presidents Club's principal legal advisers. We have done occasional pieces of work for this charity on a pro bono basis, as we do for a number of other registered charities.
"Our partner Graham Shear is extremely embarrassed and deeply regrets his attendance and any association with the dinner and apologises unreservedly. Graham recognises that such events are inconsistent with our values and beliefs.
"BLP is committed to a comprehensive inclusivity and diversity policy. An extensive review of all the firm's associations, including those related to charity, is now being undertaken to ensure that in the future the firm's diversity and other values are reflected in the choices made by all partners and others involved with the firm."
On the seating plan for the dinner, Shear was assigned a seat on a table hosted by Presidents Club co-chair David Meller. The event brochure, posted online by The Guardian, also listed Shear among seven individuals on the organising committee.
BLP managing partner Lisa Mayhew added: "At BLP we have worked hard to create an environment where everyone is valued and motivated. We deplore the activities reported at The Presidents Club dinner. This event was absolutely contrary to BLP's commitment to a culture that is respectful and promotes equal opportunities."
Shear has been at BLP since 2009, when he joined from City firm Teacher Stern. He has advised a raft of celebrity clients, including popstars Robbie Williams and Rita Ora and footballers Ashley Cole and Gareth Bale.
Other lawyers to have attended the infamous charity dinner include Mishcon de Reya real estate partner Nick Minkoff, Kingsley Napley real estate consultant Francis Weaver and Fried Frank London corporate and private equity partner Dan Oates.
There is no suggestion that any of these lawyers were involved in any inappropriate behaviour.
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