Barrister Robert Kearney was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 16 December 2024. The tribunal found that Mr Kearney breached a number of his duties as a barrister, totalling eight charges of professional misconduct, and that his behaviour constituted repeated misconduct.
The charges all related to sexual harassment of two pupils and separately to a person on a mini pupillage. The tribunal ordered disbarment on both sets of proceedings. This hearing took place following remittal by the High Court to a different tribunal due to Mr Kearney’s appeal against the sanction imposed by the first tribunal being successful. Mr Kearney was previously suspended from practice for six months in 2021. This followed separate disciplinary action for similar conduct.
Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “Mr Kearney’s actions were unacceptable and repeated and constituted a breach of the BSB Handbook. This conduct is not compatible with the standards expected of the profession and this is reflected in the decision of the tribunal to disbar Mr Kearney.”
The tribunal’s findings remain subject to appeal. The tribunal also ordered that Mr Kearney should not be issued with a practising certificate pending any appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Robert Michael Kearney
Robert Michael Kearney was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Inner Temple in November 1996.
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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