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Lawyer discrimination

© Copyright LexisNexis 2025. All Rights Reserved.
09 February 2012
Issue: 7500 / Categories: Legal News
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EAT finds law firm guilty of sexual orientation discrimination

In Bivonas LLP v Bennett [2011] UKEAT 0254/11/3101, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) held that a law firm discriminated against a lawyer on the basis of sexual orientation when a partner sent a memo falsely implying that the lawyer only selected gay barristers and suggesting that he be sacked.

The EAT agreed the content of the memo was “a professional slur of the utmost gravity”. It also held the firm’s conduct of his grievance was discriminatory.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission funded the defence of the lawyer, Lee Bennett, against the law firm’s appeal.

Issue: 7500 / Categories: Legal News
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

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Bridget Tatham, partner at Browne Jacobson and 2026 president of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers, highlights the importance of hard work, ambition and seizing opportunities

Gibson Dunn—London partner promotions

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Firm grows international bench with expanded UK partner class

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Firm makes major statement in the capital with strategic growth at The Shard

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Chancery Lane says no to LeO
The Legal Ombudsman’s (LeO’s) plea for a budget increase has been rejected by the Law Society and accepted only ‘with reluctance’ by conveyancers
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Licensing fast-track for conveyancing & probate professionals
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Stress at work? Join the (employment tribunal claim) queue
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
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