Norton Rose Fulbright’s investigation into the unauthorised access of confidential documents in its South Africa office was triggered by an internal complaint alleging racism and gender discrimination, according to documents reviewed by Law.com International.

More than 20 junior lawyers are accused of accessing confidential documents and private emails between directors (the South African equivalent of a law firm partner). The lawyers have been told to either provide details about what information they accessed and how it was used or face disciplinary action.