Barrister Lewis Robert Tresman was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 19 February 2024 following findings of professional misconduct in relation to charges brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
From 6 January 2014 until 23 February 2023, Mr Tresman knowingly allowed his chambers to invoice his professional fees with added VAT despite knowing that he was not registered for VAT at the time. The Tribunal heard that the nature of the dishonesty was very serious as it involved obtaining money that was payable to HMRC and not to Mr Tresman, with approximately £150,000 inappropriately paid by the Legal Aid Agency and around £18,000 from private clients. Furthermore, this conduct continued over a period of 15 years.
The Tribunal considered that the appropriate sanction was disbarment given that Mr Tresman behaved in a way that was likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in him or the profession, and engaged in conduct which was dishonest or otherwise discreditable to a barrister. The Tribunal unanimously agreed to disbar Mr Tresman and also ordered the BSB to suspend his practising certificate immediately.
Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “Mr Tresman plainly benefited financially by dishonestly taking other people’s money over many years. The Tribunal’s decision to disbar Mr Tresman rightly demonstrates that such conduct is manifestly incompatible with the high standards expected of the Bar”.
The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Lewis Robert Tresman
Mr Lewis Robert Tresman was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn on 25 November 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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