Georgie Dibbo, a pupil barrister, completing the first six months of her training period, was ordered to be suspended from practice for eighteen months by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 17 December 2024. The tribunal took into account her inexperience and stated that her conduct in this case was an aberration from her otherwise excellent character. As Ms Dibbo is a pupil, this suspension is essentially an order for the BSB not to issue a practising certificate in that time.
The tribunal found that, in carrying out a pupil exercise, Ms Dibbo looked at and was influenced by her supervisor’s work when she should not have, resulting in a very similar skeleton argument to her supervisor. When questioned by her chambers about the obvious similarities, Ms Dibbo was untruthful and sought to minimise the extent to which she had accessed and had been influenced by her supervisor’s work. Three charges of professional misconduct were therefore brought against Ms Dibbo.
Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “Ms Dibbo’s conduct fell below the high standards of honesty and integrity reasonably expected of those training to become members of the Bar, and the sanction reflects this.”
The tribunal’s findings remain subject to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Georgie Dibbo
Ms Georgie Dibbo is a First-Six pupil barrister. The suspension is therefore essentially an order for the BSB not to issue a (provisional) practising certificate for eighteen months.
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
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