Ex-KWM London boss cleared over drunken kiss after 'boozy' work social

The SDT has dismissed all misconduct allegations against the former managing partner of King & Wood Mallesons' (KWM) London office, rejecting an SRA case over an alleged non-consensual kiss following a work social in October 2020.

The SRA alleged that solicitor Darren Roiser grabbed a paralegal colleague’s arms, pushed her against a wall and kissed her on the mouth without consent outside a London nightclub after a team dinner, telling her she was "very attractive".

The regulator said the conduct was sexually motivated and breached principles requiring solicitors to act with integrity and uphold public confidence.

What happened

Roiser denied the allegations of non-consensual conduct. He accepted a kiss took place, but said it was initiated by the other individual, who he said followed him outside the club.

The SDT noted that both had been drinking and that the team event that evening "reflected a workplace culture that lacked appropriate safeguards and encouraged excessive drinking".

SDT findings

The SDT rejected the SRA’s factual case in large part. It did not find that Roiser grabbed the complainant, pushed her against a wall or acted without consent.

The tribunal found only that a kiss on the mouth occurred, but did not find the kiss to be non-consensual. All allegations of professional misconduct were dismissed and the tribunal determined there should be no order for costs.