Barrister Sky Bibi was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 24 September 2021 following charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The tribunal’s decision follows its finding that Ms Bibi behaved in a way which was likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in her or in the profession. The charges were brought after she was convicted by magistrates for failing to disclose a change in her financial circumstances in relation to the receipt of council tax benefit and then in her appeal to the Crown Court gave evidence and made submissions which the court found to be dishonest.
Ms Bibi was disbarred by the tribunal following its decision that the charges were proved. The tribunal also made an order preventing Ms Bibi from practising, pending any appeal.
Ms Bibi was also sentenced to 12 month suspensions on two further charges of failing to declare her conviction when seeking employment and working for a solicitors’ firm, and of providing the employer with a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate which did not reveal the true state of her criminal record.
Commenting on the order to disbar, a BSB spokesperson said: “Barristers are required not to behave in a way which diminishes the trust and confidence which the public places in them or in the profession. Acting dishonestly in the way that she did undermines this and the tribunal’s decision to disbar Ms Bibi reflects the importance of this core duty”
The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Sky Bibi
Sky Bibi was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Lincoln’s Inn in November 2007.
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 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: 0207 611 4691 or email [email protected].
