9 Sep 2021

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) welcomes the publication today by the Bar Tribunals & Adjudication Service (BTAS) of a second consultation document on changes to the Sanctions Guidance used by Disciplinary Tribunals in deciding what sanctions to impose in cases of proven professional misconduct by barristers in England and Wales.

Today’s consultation seeks views on an amended draft of the full revised Sanctions Guidance and follows BTAS’s response in July to the first consultation which took place earlier in the year.

The sanctions imposed in cases of proven professional misconduct are an important aspect of the way in which the public and consumers of legal services are protected, and high standards are promoted. It is therefore vital that the final Guidance commands the support of both the public and the profession.

The BSB urges everyone with an interest in this topic to respond to the BTAS consultation by the deadline of 21 October.

The second and final BTAS consultation document can be found at: https://www.tbtas.org.uk/policies-guidance-and-publications/guidance/btas-sanctions-guidance-consultation-2021/

ENDS

 

Notes for Editors

About the BTAS Sanctions Review

BTAS is responsible for the appointment, operation, and decisions (including sentencing) of disciplinary tribunal panels under a Services Agreement between the BSB and the Council of the Inns of Court. The BSB is responsible for bringing charges of professional misconduct against barristers, which BTAS tribunals then adjudicate. The sanctions imposed are a matter for the tribunal having regard to BTAS Sanctions Guidance which is drawn up in collaboration between BTAS and the BSB.

Details of the Review can be found on the BTAS website.

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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