15 Feb 2021

Barrister Oliver Zachary White was ordered to be prevented from applying for a practising certificate for twelve months by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 12 February 2021 following charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).

The tribunal's decision comes after Mr White repeatedly failed to pay fines that were imposed by previous disciplinary tribunals and failed to engage with the BSB when it sought compliance with the fines.

The tribunal found that Mr White had failed to promptly provide information to the BSB required for the purpose of its regulatory functions and failed to be open and co-operative with his regulators.

Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “As regulated individuals, barristers should comply with sanctions that are imposed on them and respond to reasonable requests. Failure to do so undermines the effectiveness of regulation and has a serious impact on public confidence. The tribunal’s decision to prevent Mr White from applying for a practising certificate for twelve months reflects this.

The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.

ENDS

Notes to editors

About Oliver Zachary White

Oliver Zachary White was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Lincoln’s Inn in November 2001.

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

Contact: For all media enquiries call: 0207 611 4691 or email [email protected].

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