28 Jan 2020

Unregistered barrister Sophia Cannon was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal at a hearing which concluded on 24 January 2020, following charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).

The tribunal’s decision comes after Ms Cannon was found to have committed several acts of professional misconduct relating to personal court proceedings in 2014-2015 and High Court proceedings in 2015-2016. These included knowingly misleading the court and acting in a way which abused the processes of the court, such that a civil restraint order was made against her by the High Court in December 2016. The tribunal also found that she failed to comply with orders made by the court.

The tribunal found that Ms Cannon acted in a way which was likely to diminish the trust and confidence the public places in her or in the profession, and which could reasonably be seen by the public to undermine her honesty and integrity.

Commenting on the order to disbar, a BSB spokesperson said: "The tribunal’s decision acts as a reminder to all barristers that their actions in personal legal proceedings can impact on the public’s confidence in all barristers and amount to professional misconduct. The serious impact of Ms Cannon’s actions is reflected in the decision to order her disbarment”.

The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.

ENDS

Notes to editors

About Sophia Cannon

Sophia Cannon was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Middle Temple in October 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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