Inquiry after Eversheds lawyer questioned ‘work balance’ of new mother

A City law firm was forced to carry out an inquiry after a partner questioned the commitment of a female interviewee who had recently had a child.

International arbitration expert Stuart Dutson emailed colleagues at Eversheds voicing concerns as to how the candidate would "balance work and child". He asked for help in devising questions to establish "her commitment" and "hours she is prepared to do".

Mr Dutson's email led to the head of his department, Stewart Shackleton, refusing to take part in the interview.

Mr Shackleton said that the candidate's prospects had already been "compromised" and added: "It is improper to seek information on a candidate's personal circumstances indirectly through investigations at her workplace."

According to legal publication Global Arbitration Review, Mr Shackleton resigned after the disagreement. Eversheds carried out an internal inquiry but cleared Mr Dutson of discrimination. It is not known whether he was disciplined or if the woman landed the job.

Mr Dutson sent his email to colleague Mark Davenport, copying in Mr Shackleton, last June. It read: "Private. Mark, this lady has recently had a child. Are there any guidelines on how we can ask questions properly designed to identify her commitment, hours she is prepared to do, how she will balance work and a child? Thanks. S."

An Eversheds spokeswoman said: "We dealt with the matter swiftly through the appropriate channels prior to the interview. We are satisfied that there was no discrimination or prejudice."

Last week the Standard reported how women make up fewer than one in six partners in the City's "magic circle" law firms. Experts blamed "family-unfriendly" working arrangements.