Ms Farzana Akram (currently an unregistered barrister but registered at the time of the conduct in question) was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 21 February 2024 following findings of professional misconduct in relation to charges brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The Tribunal found that Ms Akram engaged in dishonest conduct which could reasonably be seen by the public to undermine her integrity, and behaved in a way which is likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in her or in the profession, when she fraudulently evaded income tax, VAT and national insurance covering the period between April 2007 and March 2017. She pleaded guilty to these charges and was convicted in March 2022, and sentenced in June 2022 to a two-year suspended prison sentence.
Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “Ms Akram engaged in fraudulent and dishonest behaviour and also subsequently failed to report her criminal conviction to her regulator. The Tribunal’s decision to disbar Ms Akram reflects the seriousness of her behaviour.”
The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Farzana Akram
Ms Farzana Akram was called to the Bar by Middle Temple Inn in July 1998.
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].
