Solicitor banned after drunken Christmas party remarks

A senior solicitor, Timothy Eagle, has been suspended from practicing for one year after making sexual remarks and advances towards four junior colleagues at a Christmas party in December 2022. The incidents occurred while Eagle was intoxicated at Hansells Solicitors' offices in Norwich.

Eagle's misconduct included describing a colleague's dress as 'easy access,' telling another he wanted to 'f***' a different female employee, kissing a woman against her will, and making sexually suggestive comments. He was suspended by Hansells in January 2023 and later retired before the internal investigation concluded. He self-reported to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which conducted a tribunal last month.

The SRA ruled that Eagle, who qualified in 1983, should be suspended for a year and pay £30,000 in costs, citing his direct responsibility for his actions. This marks the third significant scandal for Hansells Solicitors, founded in 1827, following a former partner's jailing for theft in 2023 and a substantial fine in 2024 for financial errors.

Despite his suspension, it is noted that Eagle may still be able to work as a notary. Hansells Solicitors stated they acted swiftly and professionally upon learning of the events, and Eagle ceased to be a partner in April 2023.