Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has dismissed partner Mark Hastings without compensation following an investigation into two allegations of inappropriate behaviour, The Lawyer can reveal.

The allegations first surfaced in February with Mishcon de Reya partner Alison Levitt QC drafted in to conduct the firm’s internal investigation. Following the presentation of Levitt’s findings, Hastings was dismissed from the partnership on Tuesday (8 May).

A statement to The Lawyer from Quinn said: “In February 2018, allegations of inappropriate behaviour were made by two members of staff against London partner, Mark Hastings.  On being made aware of the allegations we immediately suspended Mr Hastings and commissioned an investigation, which was undertaken by Alison Levitt QC of the law firm Mishcon de Reya.  Ms Levitt’s findings were delivered to the firm on 26 April 2018 and steps were immediately commenced to consider Mr Hastings’ continued membership of the firm.  We can confirm that the outcome of that process was that Mr Hastings was expelled from the firm with immediate effect and without compensation on 8 May 2018.

“Quinn Emanuel takes allegations of the nature made against Mr Hastings extremely seriously.  We will not tolerate abusive behavior from anyone within the firm.  Where allegations of inappropriate behavior are brought to our attention, they will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken, without exception.  We will not comment further at this stage out of respect for the complainants’ rights to privacy, but we would say that we have not sought, nor will we seek any form of non-disclosure agreement from the complainants in relation to the allegations that they have made.”

Hastings qualified at Herbert Smith Freehills in 2002 and stayed with the firm for three years, leaving to join Addleshaw Goddard where he was first made up to partner. He was appointed to lead the firm’s fraud group in 2014 and joined Quinn in a high-profile move in December 2016.

Hastings made a name for himself acting for the late Boris Berezovsky during the mammoth $6bn commercial court dispute against fellow oligarch and Russian steel magnate Roman Abramovich. He also acted against the estate of Georgian billionaire Arkady Patarkatsishvili, among others, in a $3bn chancery division claim.

Hastings was approached for comment.