Ryan Beckwith

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner Ryan Beckwith will face a full Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) hearing later this year, over alleged sexual misconduct.

In April, Beckwith faced an SDT panel, standing accused of having engaged in sexual activity with a junior colleague without her consent.

The case is set to proceed to a substantive hearing, scheduled to take place over 10 days in October.

Today (June 19) concluded a case management hearing against Beckwith, during which his legal team attempted to have the case thrown out.

Beckwith's defence, led by Adrian Williamson QC, attempted to have the case dismissed on two counts. The first on abuse of process: the defence accused the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) of contaminating evidence, claiming that the authority had shown Beckwith's statement to the complainant 'Person A'.

The second application was that the conduct in question relating to the two key allegations – that Beckwith had kissed Person A, and that he had abused his position of seniority to engage in sexual activity with Person A – was a private matter outside of the SDT's jurisdiction.

The SDT dismissed both applications, saying there was still a case to answer.

The panel then heard arguments regarding disclosure.

Reiterating the defence's position, Williamson said that by failing to request Person A's medical and therapy records, there had been an "abuse of process". He argued: "If Person A refuses to comply [with disclosure], there will be an abuse of process."

However, the SDT panel said: "It is not appropriate for us to give a direction for the SRA to investigate."

Meanwhile, the SRA, represented by Riel Karmy-Jones QC, argued: "We reject the suggestion that these matters have not been dealt with."

However, Williamson said that, although there were "significant and fundamental disclosure difficulties", he was certain that "they will resolve" and made no application as to disclosure.

"There is no need for further consideration," he said.

Witness statements are to be filed tomorrow (June 20).

Freshfields senior partner Edward Braham said in a statement: "We note the decision of the tribunal and confirm [Beckwith] remains on indefinite leave."