White & Case rejects ‘baseless’ lawsuit linked to intimate photos shown at London work social

White & Case is facing a lawsuit in New York that alleges serious misconduct involving employees at firm-sponsored events, including the public sharing of intimate images at a London work social.

The claim has been brought anonymously by an employee, described in the complaint as a digital production specialist at the firm.

The claim, filed in the New York Supreme Court, alleges that the claimant was subjected to harassment, the non-consensual taking and sharing of intimate images, and retaliation after reporting the incidents.

A key part of the claim centres on a January 2026 incident at a London work event, where the claimant says the images were first revealed and used to ridicule him.

Allegations

According to the complaint, the alleged conduct dates back to a 2023 firm event in Palm Springs, California where the claimant says he became incapacitated and was later taken to a hotel room by colleagues.

The lawsuit alleges that while he was unconscious, his supervisor and/or other employees present removed his clothing and took photographs without his consent.

The complaint describes the incident as occurring while the claimant was “unconscious and unable to provide consent”.

The claimant further alleges that these images were circulated internally over a period of years without his knowledge.

The complaint says the claimant only became aware of the images in January 2026 at a work social at the BrewDog Waterloo bar in London, where a colleague allegedly showed the image on his phone to others and made derogatory remarks.

The filing claims the images were shown publicly at the London event and used to ridicule the claimant, including comments about his body, which the lawsuit characterises as harassment and bullying.

‘Sham’ investigation

The lawsuit also focuses heavily on the firm’s response after the incidents were reported. The complaint alleges the firm conducted a “sham internal investigation” and “shielded the perpetrators”.

It alleges that although senior personnel were notified, the firm failed to carry out a thorough independent investigation or take sufficient remedial action.

The filing also alleges that firm-sponsored events became a “breeding ground for misconduct, sexual harassment, and the degradation of minority employees”.

The claimant is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as other relief to be determined at trial.

Firm response

A White & Case spokesperson said: "We’re aware of this matter and while we take all such allegations seriously, these claims are baseless and we intend to defend them vigorously through the appropriate process.

White & Case is committed to maintaining a professional, respectful and inclusive workplace, and we have robust policies and procedures in place to support the high standards we have for our people and our firm.”