Barrister Peter Masniuk was prevented from practising for four months by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 20 January 2021 following charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The tribunal's decision comes after Mr Masniuk practised as a barrister without a practising certificate from 1 May 2019 to 26 November 2019.
The tribunal found that Mr Masniuk had exercised a right of audience without authorisation to do so. It also found that he had failed to take reasonable steps to manage his practice competently and in such a way as to achieve compliance with his legal and regulatory obligations.
Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “All barristers who wish to practise in England and Wales, particularly appearing in court as a barrister, must be authorised by us to do so. Mr Masniuk’s failure to comply with this duty constituted a serious breach of the BSB Handbook. The tribunal’s decision reflects this”.
The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Peter Masniuk
Peter Masniuk was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Inner Temple in July 1983.
About disciplinary tribunals
The appointment, operation, and decisions (including sentencing) of disciplinary tribunal panels are performed by the Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service (BTAS). BTAS is run independently of the Bar Standards Board, the barristers' regulator. The BSB is responsible for bringing charges of professional misconduct against barristers, which BTAS tribunal panels then adjudicate. The sanctions imposed are a matter for the tribunal having regard to BTAS Sanctions Guidance which is endorsed by the Council of the Inns of Court.
About the Bar Standards Board
Our mission is to regulate barristers and specialised legal services businesses in England and Wales in the public interest. For more information about what we do visit: http://bit.ly/1gwui8t
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