Barrister Stephen Simon Nicholas Taylor was ordered to be suspended from practice for six months by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 10 April 2024 following findings of professional misconduct in relation to charges brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The charges related to Mr Taylor falsely stating to his client that his case papers were likely to be at his home address, when he knew this was untrue. The Tribunal considered that this behaviour demonstrated a lack of honesty and integrity on Mr Taylor’s part and decided to impose the suspension. The Panel also ordered that Mr Taylor complete a direct access course run by the Bar Council.
Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “The public should be able to expect barristers to behave in a trustworthy and reliable manner. Losing client documents and not being candid regarding their whereabouts is not only a serious disservice to the client but also risks undermining public confidence in the profession. The Tribunal’s sanction reflects this.”
The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Stephen Simon Nicholas Taylor
Mr Taylor was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Inner Temple in July 2002.
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].
