Unregistered barrister Naseem Ahmed Bajwa was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 10 January 2024 following findings of professional misconduct in relation to charges brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The tribunal found that Mr Bajwa acted without integrity by recklessly misleading or attempting to mislead the Bar Council and/or the Bar Standards Board in providing false information as part of his authorisation to practise application. Mr Bajwa stated in this application that he was a door tenant at Martin Burr Chambers and that he would start practising as a self-employed barrister at these chambers on 12 or 17 January 2022. In reality, Mr Bajwa had not yet made an application to the chambers in question, nor did he hold the status of a door tenant.
Considering the gravity of the charges, the aggravating factor of previous disciplinary findings of a similar nature as well as a lack of remorse, lack of insight and the likelihood of repetition, the Tribunal considered that the appropriate sanction was disbarment.
Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “Dishonestly misleading the regulator is a serious form of professional misconduct which is likely to diminish the confidence that the public places in an individual barrister or the profession as a whole. The Tribunal’s decision to disbar Mr Bajwa rightly demonstrates that such conduct is manifestly incompatible with the high standards expected of the Bar”.
The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Naseem Ahmed Bajwa
Naseem Ahmed Bajwa was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Gray's Inn in March 2012. Naseem Ahmed Bajwa should not be confused with Ali Naseem Bajwa KC, who practises from QEB Hollis Whiteman Chambers and was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Gray's Inn in November 1993.
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
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