Unregulated barrister and ex-solicitor disbarred for dishonest conduct

An unregulated barrister has been disbarred by the Bar’s disciplinary tribunal following misconduct relating to dishonesty while acting in a conveyancing transaction in 2004.

Godwin Okri, who was called to the bar in 1995, failed to tell the Bar Standards Board (BSB) that he had been struck off the roll of solicitors by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal in 2008 for conduct unfitting for a solicitor.

His behaviour included dishonesty in proceeding with the transaction knowing the sale was at an undervalue; and dishonestly failing to ensure the client gave instructions freely and without undue influence. 

Okri was found to have engaged in dishonest or discreditable conduct for a barrister, and that his conduct was likely to diminish public confidence in the legal profession or the administration of justice. 

A BSB spokesperson said: “The tribunal’s decision shows the serious consequences for individuals who have been called to the Bar of acting dishonestly, even when practising in a different profession. 

“It also serves as a reminder that any barrister subject to disciplinary findings within another profession must report these to the BSB.”
 
Okri was ordered to pay the BSB’s costs of £1,200.