Barrister suspended for professional misconduct

Barrister Duncan Maxwell-Stewart has been suspended from practice for 12 months following charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board. The tribunal found that, while on a night out in February 2020, Maxwell-Stewart behaved inappropriately and in a sexually motivated way towards a chambers employee and a trainee solicitor. The tribunal found his behaviour likely to diminish the public’s trust and confidence and said it could reasonably be seen by the public to undermine his integrity. The decision is open to appeal.