Jonathan Edwards has been suspended from practice for six months and fined £4,000 by an independent disciplinary tribunal, which concluded on 12 June 2025, following charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The tribunal found that Mr Edwards failed to take reasonable steps to ensure a client’s funds were held safely when using a third-party provider and failed to comply with court orders in relation to a judgment debt to repay that former client. Mr Edwards also did not fully cooperate with the Bar Standards Board during its investigation.
Mr Edwards admitted one charge related to non-compliance with court orders, while denying the others. The tribunal found all charges proved and imposed a suspension of six months in total, with two-month suspensions for two of the charges to run concurrently and a six-month suspension for the most serious charge which the Tribunal identified as that relating to his failure to comply with court orders and to engage with bailiffs in relation to the judgment debt.
In addition, Mr Edwards was fined a total of £4,000 for failures relating to his conduct during the BSB’s investigation.
A BSB spokesperson said:
“Mr Edwards’ conduct did not meet the professional standards expected at the Bar. The public expect barristers to comply with orders of the court and clients should also expect barristers to comply with the relevant rules when dealing with their money. His suspension reflects the seriousness of the breaches found.”
The tribunal’s findings remain subject to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Jonathan Gwyn Mendus Edwards
Mr Jonathan Edwards was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Lincoln’s Inn in 23 July 1981.
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].
