Barrister barred for practising without certificate

BSB says uncooperative lawyer failed to engage with regulator throughout disciplinary process

A barrister who practised for almost ten months without a valid practising certificate has been disbarred and his behaviour described as "[seriously harming] to the reputation of the Bar."

Mr Jonathan Richard Gerard Oultram's conduct amounts to a criminal offence under the Legal Services Act 2007, after he practised as a barrister between 13 March 2013 and 5 January 2014 despite not being properly authorised to do so.

Charges of professional misconduct were originally brought against the barrister in October 2014.

These were heard by a three person panel, chaired by Mr Alexander Gunning QC. The case was then referred to a five person panel because such panels can impose more serious penalties, such as lengthy suspension or disbarment.

The BSB says Oultram failed to engage at all with the regulator throughout the disciplinary process, and failed to comply with his continuing professional development requirements.

At the public hearing which took place on Thursday 19 February 2015, the panel heard that Oultram had regularly appeared in both crown and magistrates courts. On sentencing the barrister, His Honour Judge Sleeman, who chaired the five person panel, said his behaviour resulted in "serious harm to the administration of justice, the reputation of the Bar, and risk to the public".

Laura Clenshaw is managing editor of Solicitors Journal

editorial@solicitorsjournal.co.uk | @L_Clenshaw