A partner in Mishcon de Reya’s real estate practice has been named as an attendee on the guest list of the scandal-ridden male-only charity gala the Presidents Club.
Mishcon real estate partner and former SJ Berwin partner Nick Minkoff has been named as an invitee of the Presidents Club after The Guardian published a partial guest list on Monday evening.
The event has caused outrage over allegations of guests’ inappropriate behaviour to female hosts and inappropriate gifts.
The story came to light after the Financial Times carried out its own investigation into the charity event, which has been running for 33 years, by sending in an undercover reporter.
Allegations of misconduct include guests groping their female hosts, putting their hands up hostesses’ skirts and inviting them to their hotel rooms after the event.
In light of the scandal, the Presidents Club has announced that it will close the event.
Last year, The Lawyer touted Minkoff as the next possible head of Mishcon’s real estate team, to succeed the incumbent Nick Doffman.
Minkoff joined Mishcon from legacy SJ Berwin in 2010 before the firm merged with King & Wood Mallesons in 2013. He was a partner in SJ Berwin’s real estate team for 12 years.
In a statement, Mishcon de Reya said: “The existence of male only events of the type operated by the Presidents Club are contrary to the core values of Mishcon de Reya, specifically that we always aim to foster a culture which thrives on diversity and respect for the individual. The firm endeavours in all its matters and dealings to be an inclusive environment where everyone can realise their full potential.
“The actions that took place that night were deplorable and should be condemned. They have no legitimate place in society.
“Nick Minkoff attended the evening as a guest in order to support good causes. He is embarrassed by being associated with this event and has confirmed that he never personally witnessed any of the reported behaviours but does not dispute them. He himself condemns any such behaviours.”
Another name well-known in legal circles to appear on the guest list is Robert Tchenguiz, the brother of Vincent Tchenguiz who jointly issued a three-year £2.2bn lawsuit over a failed criminal investigation by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). Vincent has since reached an agreement with Kaupthing and has wthdrawn his allegations against Grant Thornton.
Vincent Tchenguiz filed a claim against the multi-party defendants in November 2014 following his arrest and detention in 2011 following a failed SFO investigation, for which its director, David Green, issued an apology.
The case made the cut for The Lawyer’s Top 20 cases for 2014.
Robert, however, has launched his own claim against Grant Thornton arising from the SFO’s failed investigation.
