The  Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) heard closing submissions from opposing counsel in the case against Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner Ryan Beckwith today (October 8), on day seven of the hearing into his alleged sexual misconduct. 

Beckwith stands accused of conduct "unbecoming of a member of the profession", following two incidents in 2016 involving a junior associate on his team, which culminated in sexual activity that the complainant alleges took place without her consent. 

The tribunal heard from two character witnesses in Beckwith's favour, while the SRA counsel once again looked to underscore Beckwith's alleged actions as unbecoming of a solicitor. The defence attempted to both punch holes in the complainant's evidence and characterise Beckwith as a "good man" who "did not undermine the public's faith in the profession".