Barrister Wayne Anthony Lewis was ordered to be suspended from practice for a period of 18 months by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 15 February 2024 following findings of professional misconduct in relation to charges brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB). The Tribunal also prohibited Mr Lewis from accepting or carrying out public access work thereafter until he has provided the BSB with satisfactory proof that he has retaken mandatory training to undertake such work.
The tribunal found that Mr Lewis behaved in a way which was likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in him or in the profession, in that he handled, misused and failed to repay money belonging to a direct access client, and misled the Legal Ombudsman as to his intention to repay his client.
Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “It is essential that barristers instructed on a direct access basis provide their clients with adequate and suitable client care. In failing to do so, the Tribunal found that Mr Lewis behaved in a way which lacked integrity and diminished the public’s trust and confidence in him and the profession. Their order to suspend Mr Lewis from practice therefore reflects the seriousness of such behaviour.”
The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Wayne Anthony Lewis
Wayne Lewis was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Lincoln’s Inn in November 1982.
As of 21 August 2024 Mr Lewis has appealed the tribunal’s decision and he remains entitled to practise pending that appeal.
About disciplinary tribunals
The Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service (BTAS) is responsible for appointing and administering Disciplinary Tribunals on behalf of the President of the Council of the Inns of Court and its tribunals are independent of the BSB. The BSB is responsible for bringing charges of professional misconduct against barristers, which BTAS tribunal panels then adjudicate. The sanctions imposed are a matter for the tribunal having regard to the facts of the individual case and the BTAS Sanctions Guidance.
About the Bar Standards Board
Our mission is to regulate barristers and specialised legal services businesses in England and Wales in the public interest. For more information about what we do visit: http://bit.ly/1gwui8t
Contact: For all media enquiries call: 07432 713 328 or email [email protected].
