Becky Agates has been prevented from practising for 36 months and fined £500 by an independent disciplinary tribunal, which concluded on 13 June 2025, following charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The tribunal found that Ms Agates failed to comply with court orders to pay a judgment debt and failed to report to the BSB that bankruptcy proceedings had been initiated and a bankruptcy order had been made against her.
The tribunal found all charges relating to this conduct proved and imposed a suspension of 16 months relating to her failure to comply with a court order and a further suspension of 20 months for two charges relating to non-payment of a court order arising from another debt. These suspensions will run consecutively, making a total suspension of 36 months. Ms Agates was also fined £500 for her failure to notify the BSB about bankruptcy proceedings and the bankruptcy order.
A BSB spokesperson said:
“Ms Agates’ conduct did not meet the professional standards expected at the Bar. The public would expect members of the Bar to comply with court orders, even those relating to their private life. The tribunal’s decision to suspend Ms Agates reflects the seriousness of not doing so.”
The tribunal’s findings remain subject to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Becky Agates
Ms Becky Agates was called to the Bar of England and Wales on 22 November 2007.
About disciplinary tribunals
The Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service (BTAS) is responsible for appointing and administering Disciplinary Tribunals on behalf of the President of the Council of the Inns of Court and its tribunals are independent of the BSB. 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 the facts of the individual case and the BTAS Sanctions Guidance.
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
Contact: For all media enquiries call 07432 713 328 or email [email protected].
