Unregistered barrister Giles Guy Robertson, who has never practised at the Bar, was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 27 October 2023 following findings of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The tribunal found that Mr Robertson behaved in a way which was likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in him or in the profession, in that, between September 2015 and July 2016, while in practice as a solicitor, he misappropriated the sum of £140,731.97 from monies held in a client account. For this conduct, Mr Robertson was struck off the Roll of Solicitors by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal in May 2019. The tribunal also found that he failed to inform the BSB of the finding by the SDT.
Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “The Core Duties set out in the BSB Handbook oblige barristers to act with honesty and integrity and not to behave in a way which is likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in them or in the profession. The tribunal found that Mr Robertson’s dishonest misuse of client money was a serious breach of those duties and the indicative sanction for dishonesty is disbarment”.
The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Giles Guy Robertson
Giles Guy Robertson was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Lincoln's Inn in July 2010 but has never practised at the Bar. He must not be confused with the Giles Robertson, called in 2012, who practises as a barrister from Fountain Court.
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].
