Unregistered barrister Claire Louise Thomas was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 11 November 2024. The tribunal also ordered the BSB not to issue a practising certificate to Ms Thomas until the conclusion of any appeal.
The tribunal found that Ms Thomas behaved in a way which is likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in her or in the profession and/or could reasonably be seen by the public to undermine her integrity and/or honesty. The conduct in question relates to giving dishonest accounts of symptoms from a road traffic accident that took place in 2016. These accounts were given to the Department for Work and Pensions between 2017-2020, to medical experts instructed in a civil claim in 2019-20 and then in the civil claim itself between 2019-2023.
Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “By dishonestly presenting information about her medical symptoms, including in a civil court case, Ms Thomas’ behaviour has fallen short of the high standards of integrity and honesty expected of those called to the Bar and the tribunal’s decision to disbar her reflects this.”
The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Claire Louise Thomas
Ms Claire Louise Thomas is an unregistered (ie non practising) barrister and was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Gray's Inn in July 2008. She is not to be confused with Ms Clare Thomas who is a practising barrister based in Manchester.
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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