Bar standards board seeks to expand powers

updated on 08 January 2024

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The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has proposed amendments to widen its powers in 2024.

The suggested amendments are subject to approval by the Legal Services Board (LSB) and are being sought by the BSB to “protect the public”.

The proposed changes include:

  • imposing interim restrictions on a barrister’s practising certificate;
  • affording the disciplinary tribunal the power to impose interim restrictions on a barrister’s practising certificate; and
  • extending the powers of the BSB to refer a person to an interim suspension panel.

The LSB will decide whether to approve these changes based on evidence presented in a consultation in 2023. The consultation received four responses, which included the Bar Council, Legal Services Consumer Panel and two barristers. All four agreed to the BSB’s proposed expansion of power.

In response to the consultation, the BSB said: “The BSB aims to implement these changes as soon as possible once the Legal Services Board approves them, in recognition of the gap and potential harm to the public.” The changes are expected to be implemented sometime this year.