SRA to decide on 'appropriate action' amid concerns over 'Harry Potter' solicitor
Advocate's online CV called into question as organisations deny his involvement and membership
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has indicated that it may investigate solicitor-advocate Dr Alan Blacker, also known as 'Lord Harley of Counsel' amid questions concerning his LinkedIn profile.
As reported last week by SJ, Judge David Wynn Morgan recently asked why Blacker was wearing colourful ribbons and badges on his gown when he recently appeared before him. Blacker explained that he had earned the ribbons for voluntary medical service with the St John Ambulance service.
Judge Morgan was less than impressed and described Blacker's appearance as "something out of Harry Potter". Yet there are now concerns that Blacker's extensive LinkedIn profile, which has been removed from the website in recent days, may not be accurate.
A spokesperson for St John Ambulance in Wales has insisted the solicitor-advocate was "not a member of the Order of St John" and called the police to investigate him.
Following this, a spokesman for the Zoological Society of London has stated that "Alan Blacker is not a trustee" of the society.
Moreover, a spokesman for the Institute of Health Care Management confirmed that Becker was not a member of its organisation.
Blacker recently told the BBC "My bona fides are beyond any reproach".
The SRA has confirmed that Blacker is registered as a solicitor and no disciplinary action has ever been taken against him.
However, an SRA spokesperson said today: "We are aware of the matter, and indeed had already noted the content of Dr Blacker's website submissions. We will be looking at all the necessary information and be in contact with other concerned agencies before deciding the appropriate action."
According to the Law Society, Blacker was admitted as a solicitor on 4 May 2010 but is unable to confirm whether he won the Law Society Academic Award in 2002, as stated on his LinkedIn profile.