DLA Piper sports partner Nick West is facing a hearing by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) after sending a string of sexist emails to Premier League boss Richard Scudamore.
The email exchange, which took place in 2014, contained sexist jokes relating to Scudamore’s female colleagues. The Premier League boss’ secretary leaked the emails to the Sunday Mirror and resulted in the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) referring the issue to the SDT.
West had a longstanding relationship with Scudamore and worked with him since 2000 in relation to the Premier League’s TV deals.
The SDT has confirmed that there is a case to be heard relating to allegations that West was involved with “inappropriate emails with his client”. If the allegations are proven to be true, West could be fined or face being struck off from the roll of solicitors.
At the time DLA pledged to “fully investigate” the matter and stated that the firm worked to uphold the “highest professional standards”.
The SRA made its decision to take the matter further in August but has only announced its decision now. The first hearing will be heard on 6 April.
