Late final 12 months, Biglaw agency Baker McKenzie filed a defamation lawsuit in opposition to a former tax affiliate, Brooke Radford, alleging Radford made repeated allegations on social media and Reddit — some 100+ of them —–falsely accusing a companion of sexually assaulting her and accusing the agency of masking it up. In accordance with that grievance, Radford stated she was assaulted by Maurice Bellan (additionally a plaintiff within the lawsuit) and was terminated by the agency when she turned down the companion’s advances.
In accordance with the amended complaint, Radford had a relationship with Bellan’s son, Maurice “Reece” Alexander Bellan. Reece ended the two-year relationship shortly earlier than Radford was fired from the agency — Baker McKenzie alleges Radford was fired for misusing the agency bank card, amongst different points — and, based on the grievance, that confluence of occasions led Radford to focus on Bellan Sr. together with her false accusations.
However litigation has a method of boomeranging, and Radford has now responded with a lawsuit of her personal.
This newest grievance, obtainable under, has a decidedly completely different spin. Radford alleges Bellan Sr. engaged in a sample of sexually inappropriate conduct, together with pulling her onto him on a sofa and forcefully hugging her on one other event. She additionally describes an incident wherein Bellan Sr. allegedly left his resort room door open so colleagues might discover him bare on the mattress, not precisely the type of team-building train HR recommends.
Radford, representing herself in each actions, goes on to allege Bellan Sr. posted her dwelling deal with on-line, stalked her, and despatched individuals to her residence and locations she frequented.
Radford’s grievance additionally alleges Baker McKenzie “knew of this sexually harassing conduct and didn’t take immediate, efficient, or affordable steps to cease it, stop it from reoccurring, or shield” her. She claims Bellan Sr. made undesirable sexual advances, chastised her after she informed him she and his son “weren’t romantically suitable,” and that her refusal in the end price her her job.
Baker McKenzie has not commented on the brand new lawsuit, however beforehand stated there may be”no advantage to Ms. Radford’s allegations.” A spokesperson continued, “We’ve tried to pursue a dialogue to attempt to deal with her purported issues, however she has not engaged with these efforts. The agency takes all allegations of harassment very critically and is dedicated to offering a protected and inclusive working surroundings for all of our individuals.”
Radford reiterated a previous assertion when requested for remark, “My household and I are involved about our security and we’re disgusted by how far Baker McKenzie is keen to stoop to guard a predator.”
These very completely different tales and dueling lawsuits guarantee one factor: this struggle isn’t staying quiet.
Biglaw Lawsuit Against Former Associate Is Actually Messy As Hell
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Legislation, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the perfect, so please join together with her. Be at liberty to e-mail her with any ideas, questions, or feedback and comply with her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @[email protected].
