Barrister John McLanachan was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 9 January 2024.
In relation to three separate hearings in 2019, the tribunal found that Mr McLanachan had breached a number of his duties as a barrister. The charges related to Mr McLanachan’s attempt to recklessly mislead the court at two of the hearings, to his failures to take reasonable steps to avoid wasting the court’s time, to provide a competent standard of work to his clients, and to ensure that the court had before it all relevant decisions and authorities.
In considering the sanction, the tribunal found that Mr McLanachan’s conduct had fallen far short of standards expected of immigration practitioners and could have a serious impact on public confidence in the profession, considering disbarment the appropriate sanction.
Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “Barristers have a duty both to their clients and to the court. Mr McLanachan’s actions were unacceptable and incompatible with the standards expected of the profession. The Tribunal’s decision to disbar Mr McLanachan reflects this seriousness.”
The tribunal’s findings remain subject to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About John McLanachan
John McLanachan was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Gray’s Inn on 5 February 1980.
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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