the regulation of barristers

• The bar standards board (BSB):

  • The BSB sets training and entry standards but also regulates the barrister profession.
  • it sets out a code of conduct that barristers have to comply with.
  • The BSB investigates any alleged breaches of the code of conduct
  • The BSB can discipline any barrister who is in breach of the code. if the breach is serious, then it can be referred to a disciplinary tribunal by an independent bar tribunal and adjudication service.
• A disciplinary tribunal has several sanctions it can impose, which include:

  1. reprimanding the barrister, a formal warning about their behaviour
  2. making the barrister complete further professional development training
  3. ordering the barrister to pay a fine
  4. suspending the barrister for up to 3 years
  5. in extreme cases, striking the barrister off the register
• If a complainant is unhappy with the decision of the BSB, a complaint can be made to the legal ombudsman.
• A barrister who enters into a contract with a client on the direct access scheme can be sued by the client for breach of contract.
• A barrister can be liable for negligence for poor quality of advocacy, however this must be more than just losing a civil claim or being convicted in a criminal case.