Former Clydes equity partner claims firm sacked her for whistleblowing and pregnancy

A former equity partner from Clyde & Co is set to take the firm before an employment tribunal, claiming that the firm sacked her after she revealed a culture of bribery in Tanzania office. Clydes’ attempts to stall the tribunal hearing - first seeking a stay of proceedings while alternative dispute mechanisms stipulated under the partnership agreement were explored, and second seeking dismissal of the matter for lack of jurisdiction - were unsuccessful. The Employment Appeals Tribunal ruled that Krista Bates van Winkelhof' was a ‘worker’, and therefore entitled to make protected disclosures as a whistleblower. Van Winkelhof joined Clydes’ equity partnership in February 2010, and became one of Tanzania's leading lawyers. She claims that the Tanzania office’s Managing Partner, Kibuta Ongwamuhana, admitted paying bribes to secure work and influence the outcome of cases. She further claims that she was kicked out for reporting the bribes and/or because of her pregnancy.

Former Clydes equity partner claims firm sacked her for whistleblowing and pregnancy rollonfriday.com Tue, Jun 12, 2012