Biglaw Partner Found Dead Hours After Allegations Of Inappropriate Behavior Surface

His body was found at the bottom of a cliff.

Geraint Thomas

Hours after allegations of inappropriate behavior were made against Eversheds Sutherland partner Geraint Thomas, he was found dead. According to reports, Thomas’s body was found on December 18th at the bottom of a 150ft cliff in Wales with a stuffed animal belonging to one of his daughters at the top of the precipice.

Thomas was a partner based in the Cardiff office of the international firm. His practice was in the banking and finance group and he styled himself as an expert on the impact of Brexit on businesses. He was married and had two daughters.

According to reports, Thomas was brought into the firm’s London office on December 17th where he was informed that there were formal complaints made about his alleged inappropriate behavior at the firm’s holiday party in London. He then returned to Cardiff where his body was found. Police have indicated Thomas’s death is not being treated as suspicious:

A police spokesman said: “South Wales Police is investigating the sudden death of a 47-year-old man from Cardiff who was discovered at Southerdown.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious. Next of kin have been informed and a file of evidence is being prepared for HM Coroner.”

The Mirror reports the two women who made the complaints about Thomas’s behavior have been “devastated” at the news of his death:

It is understood two female members of staff had made complaints about Mr Thomas. Both were later described as being “devastated” at hearing of his death.

A colleague said: “It is a terrible tragedy and a shocking waste of life.

“The staff involved are terribly shocked and traumatised.”

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Lee Ransom, CEO of Eversheds Sutherland, offered these words on the passing of a partner:

On behalf of the firm I can confirm with great sadness that Geraint Thomas, a partner in our commercial team, was found dead on 18 December 2018.

Details surrounding his death are unclear and we are currently liaising with his family and the police.

Geraint was a highly respected and esteemed lawyer who, having joined the firm in 1994 spent his entire career with the firm.

A truly exceptional lawyer, he will be remembered for his dedication to his clients and to the firm in equal measure. He will be greatly missed.

Our sincere sympathies and thoughts are with Geraint’s wife, family and friends at this exceptionally difficult time.

Many of Geraint’s colleagues have also been deeply affected by this tragic news.

We are working with everyone to ensure they have appropriate, professional support in the coming weeks and months.

As this is an ongoing investigation I am unable to provide further comment at this time.

Our thoughts go out to those affected by Thomas’s death.


headshotKathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, and host of The Jabot podcast. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).

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