Unregistered barrister Sam Clement Brown, called to the Bar by Inner Temple in November 2004, was ordered to be suspended from practice by an independent disciplinary tribunal at a hearing culminating on 22 November, following charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB). The tribunal ordered that Mr Brown be suspended from practice for six months, preventing him from obtaining a practising certificate during that time.
The tribunal’s decision comes after Mr Brown engaged in unwanted conduct of a sexual nature.
The tribunal found that Mr Brown had failed to act with integrity and behaved in a way that was likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in him or in the profession.
Commenting on the order to suspend, a BSB spokesperson said: “The BSB recognises the difficulty of coming forward with an allegation of this nature and is committed to taking action where it is appropriate. Our decision to bring charges of professional misconduct against Mr Brown reflects this and the seriousness with which the BSB takes reports like this”.
The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Sam Brown
Sam Clement Brown was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Inner Temple in November 2004.
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].
