Barrister Henry Charles William King was ordered to be prevented from being issued with a practising certificate for a period of three months from 01 April 2025, by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 28 February following two charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
At the tribunal Mr King admitted that he had acted in a way which could reasonably be seen by the public to undermine his integrity, and which was likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in him or in the profession, when he had inappropriately touched, and made unwanted comments to, another person at a Chambers’ event in December 2023.
A BSB spokesperson said:
“Conduct of a sexualised nature has no place in the profession and the public should not expect this from members of the Bar. The decision to prevent Mr King from practising, even where the tribunal stated there was compelling mitigation, reflects the seriousness of his conduct.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
The BSB Handbook states that in exceptional circumstances, where the total suspension is three months or less, the Tribunal may postpone the commencement of the suspension for a period as it deems fit. The tribunal ordered that this will not start until 1 April 2025.
About Henry King
Mr King was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Middle Temple in 2018.
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].
