An Eversheds Sutherland partner has been found dead after being accused of inappropriate behaviour, in another episode highlighting the difficulties law firms face in responding to #MeToo allegations.

Retail finance partner Geraint Thomas, who worked in the law firm's London and Cardiff offices, was accused of behaving inappropriately towards two female colleagues at a work Christmas party.

He was informed about the complaints on 17 December at the firm's London headquarters, and was found dead the next day at the bottom of the Southerndown cliffs on the Welsh coast, near Bridgend.

He had been a partner at the firm since 2003, advising clients including HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, Nationwide, Morgan Stanley and Aviva on issues such as consumer credit and mortgage regulation. He was also part of the firm's Brexit advisory team.

A police spokesman said: "South Wales Police is investigating the sudden death of a 47-year-old man from Cardiff who was discovered at Southerndown. The death is not being treated as suspicious. Next of kin have been informed and a file of evidence is being prepared for HM Coroner."

An inquest into Mr Thomas's death was opened and adjourned at Pontypridd Coroner's Court on Christmas Eve, pending further investigation. An inquest is scheduled to take place on 4 April.

Eversheds Sutherland staff have been given access to a specialist counsellor following the news.

CEO Lee Ranson said: "Our sincere sympathies and thoughts are with Geraint's wife, family and friends at this exceptionally difficult time. Many of Geraint's colleagues have also been deeply affected by this tragic news. We are working with everyone to ensure they have appropriate, professional support in the coming weeks and months."

One former partner at the firm, who was not familiar with the details of the allegations made against Thomas, said: "You don't want to make an excuse for it, but people don't behave as themselves when they're incredibly stressed – people don't ever switch off, and will do stupid things. People often drink too much. You should never excuse people's behaviour, but it's worthwhile understanding why they do it.

"How bad must those girls be feeling? It's horrific. This isn't going to help people who want to speak out about inappropriate behaviour either. It's just awful all round."