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England: Barrister disbarments more than double

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Twice as many barristers were disbarred last year compared to the previous year, the bar’s regulator has reported.In 2016-17, 19 barristers were sent packing, compared to seven in the year before, the Bar Standards Board’s (BSB) annual report states.

However, the number of suspensions declined from eight to five. Meanwhile, disciplinary judgments against barristers rose slightly, going from 46 to 52.

The report also includes highlights of the regulator’s work during this first year of its current three-year strategic plan included:

  • consulting the profession and others about the future of Bar training;

  • publishing the results of its major survey about women’s experiences at the bar; and

  • preparing to license Alternative Business Structures (ABSs).

    • BSB chair Sir Andrew Burns said: “2016-17 was a very busy year for all of us at the Bar Standards Board. Much of that work now continues as we seek to make training for the bar more affordable, accessible and flexible while sustaining high standards; to respond to the recent report into the legal services market by the Competition and Markets Authority; to promote equality and diversity; and, above all, to represent the public interest and especially the needs of the most vulnerable consumers.”

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