An employment tribunal has dismissed allegations of racial discrimination and misconduct against a prestigious City law firm.
The tribunal, led by Employment Judge Emma Burns, found Noel Deans’ claims of race discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and wrongful dismissal against Rosenblatt, a part of RBG Holdings, to be unsubstantiated. Deans, of African/Caribbean heritage, served as a salaried partner and was the first black partner in the firm’s history before his resignation in February 2020.
Judge Burns criticised Deans for levelling serious accusations without sufficient evidence, specifically mentioning his claim of a fabricated witness statement by the firm during a 2019 employment case (‘SP claim’). According to Judge Burns, Deans’ response to criticism was often to attack colleagues with unfounded or exaggerated allegations, demonstrating a pattern of reactive behaviour.
The allegations included accusations of a hostile environment from a 2018 dinner incident where former chief executive Nicola Foulston used racially insensitive language. Although Foulston apologised and the term wasn’t directed at Deans, the tribunal concluded that the complaint was not pursued timely by Deans, implying it was revived only for potential embarrassment of the respondents.
The tribunal also addressed Deans’ claims related to protected disclosures concerning the ‘SP claim’. Foulston’s handling of private financial information led to accusations from Deans about evidence suppression, but the tribunal deemed Deans’ objections unfounded, noting that the redaction of emails was a valid action.
Further claims of unjustified treatment were examined, such as the assertion of critical emails from partner Ian Rosenblatt. These critiques were found to be consistent with the firm’s typical practice, applied equally without regard to race.
Overall, the tribunal determined that the claims were not based on race but on Deans’ personal conflicts within the firm. Allegations against Rosenblatt of antisemitism were countered as justified concerns rather than discriminatory acts.
In this comprehensive legal ruling, Noel Deans’ claims against Rosenblatt were dismissed due to lack of substantiation and timing issues, with the tribunal highlighting the importance of clear evidence and timely action in such cases.
