5 Oct 2020

Barrister Terry Symmonds was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded at an online hearing on 2 October 2020 following charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).

The tribunal's decision comes after Mr Symmonds was subject to a number of disciplinary findings by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) relating to his practice as a solicitor, culminating in his name being struck from the Roll of Solicitors in 2014 for acting in breach of the Solicitors Account Rules and the Solicitors Code of Conduct. Mr Symmonds also failed to notify the BSB of these findings.

The tribunal found that in so doing Mr Symmonds had engaged in conduct which was discreditable and/or likely to diminish public confidence in the legal profession or the administration of justice or otherwise bring the legal profession into disrepute. He was also found to have failed to be open and co-operative with his regulator.

Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “The tribunal’s decision to disbar Mr Symmonds shows the serious consequences that can result from a barrister being found in breach of the rules of another regulator. It also serves as a reminder that any barrister subject to disciplinary findings within another profession must report these to the BSB”.

The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.

ENDS

Notes to editors

About Terry Symmonds

Terry Symmonds was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Lincoln’s Inn in July 1989.

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 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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