Ex-BNP Paribas Lawyer Fined £31,000 for Offensive Nicknames and Language.
A former lawyer at BNP Paribas has been ordered to pay £31,000 after a disciplinary tribunal found he had used offensive and inappropriate nicknames for colleagues, violating professional conduct standards.
The Case Against Benedict Foster
Benedict Foster, the former head of legal for BNP Paribas London’s debt and equity team, was investigated by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) over his use of “inappropriate, unprofessional, and/or offensive” nicknames. These actions breached the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) principles, which emphasize integrity, professionalism, and respect within the legal field.
The tribunal fined Foster £15,000 and ordered an additional £16,000 in costs, bringing his total penalty to £31,000.
Offensive Nicknames and Inappropriate Language
Foster’s misconduct involved a series of offensive and unprofessional nicknames used for colleagues. These included “the Idiot,” “Pol Pot,” “Jabba the Hutt,” and others. He also used inappropriate language in the office, including expletives and offensive comments like “cnts” and “what the fck is this?” Additionally, he made a highly inappropriate remark asking if another colleague was autistic.
The nicknames emerged during an exit interview, where it was revealed that Foster had referred to a French colleague as “Mad Paul,” an Asian female colleague as “Hu She,” and another French co-worker as “Biriyani.” Foster also admitted to calling several colleagues “the Idiot,” “the Twittering Fool,” “Pol Pot,” and “Jabba the Hutt” during his time at BNP Paribas between December 2020 and September 2021.
Internal Investigation and Regulatory Action
The offensive behavior was brought to light during an internal exit interview, after which BNP Paribas launched an investigation. The findings were then reported to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in March 2022. Foster left the bank in the same month. According to his LinkedIn profile, he has since been “retired.”
Foster’s Defense and Apology
Foster denied that the nickname “Mad Paul” was meant to reflect his colleague’s abilities as a lawyer. He explained that it stemmed from his colleague’s “slightly cavalier approach to timekeeping, attendance at the office, and his interpersonal skills.”
Despite his defense, Foster acknowledged that even if his colleague had shared his sense of humor, it was no excuse for using such names. The tribunal found that Foster’s actions did not meet the high standards expected of solicitors, failing to uphold integrity and disregarding principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In his defense, Foster’s barrister noted that these remarks occurred during the challenging Covid-19 pandemic, a time that many found stressful due to remote work and new IT systems. The barrister emphasized that Foster never intended to offend and that there was “never any racist intent whatsoever” in his actions.
Tribunal’s Findings and Consequences
The SDT ruled that Foster’s conduct had failed to uphold the standards required of solicitors. His use of offensive language and nicknames not only violated professional ethics but also damaged the inclusive culture expected in the legal profession.
The tribunal emphasized that solicitors are expected to act with integrity, maintain professionalism, and promote diversity and inclusion. Foster’s actions were seen as a clear violation of these principles.
Lessons Learned: Professionalism and Workplace Respect
This case serves as an important reminder of the need for legal professionals—and all employees in the workplace—to maintain respect, integrity, and inclusivity, regardless of external pressures or stress. The fact that this behavior occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic, a time of significant stress and change, does not excuse the misconduct.
BNP Paribas and the SRA have set a strong precedent by holding Foster accountable, sending a clear message that unprofessional behavior, particularly in the form of offensive language and discriminatory remarks, will not be tolerated in the legal profession.
The fine and additional costs underscore the serious consequences professionals face when they fail to meet the expected standards of conduct. In a high-stakes environment like law, maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace is crucial for individual careers and the public’s trust in the profession.
Benedict Foster’s case is a reminder that professionalism and respect must always be prioritized, even in challenging circumstances. The consequences he faced, including the £31,000 fine and costs, highlight the importance of upholding ethical standards in every aspect of professional conduct. This incident also highlights the need for organizations to foster an inclusive and respectful work environment, free from offensive language and behavior.