Barrister Matthew John Boyden was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 12 January 2023 following charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The tribunal’s decision follows two previous three-year suspensions which covered the cumulative period from 22 March 2019 to 21 January 2024, prohibiting Mr Boyden from applying for a practising certificate as a barrister. In breach of his suspension, Mr Boyden attended a hearing at the Magistrates’ Court in July 2019, and filled in court forms. In doing so, Mr Boyden dishonestly gave the misleading impression, to the court and to others, that he was authorised to exercise a right of audience, which is a reserved legal activity, and/or to practise as a barrister. Furthermore, during a period in 2022 Mr Boyden also allowed his employer to display a profile describing him as a commercial barrister who offered reserved legal services to clients.
Dishonesty was found proved by the Tribunal in relation to the two matters described above. Additionally, it was found that Mr Boyden failed to be open and cooperative with the BSB in that he failed to respond at all in the regulatory investigation of this conduct. The tribunal found that Mr Boyden failed to observe his duty to the court in the administration of justice and behaved in a way which is likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public placed in him and in the profession.
Commenting on the order, a BSB spokesperson said: “The Tribunal found that Mr Boyden failed to comply with an order from a Disciplinary Tribunal, dishonestly misled the courts and the public into believing that he was authorised to provide reserved legal services when he was suspended from practice, and refused to cooperate with the regulator when his conduct was being investigated. The Tribunal’s decision to disbar Mr Boyden reflects the seriousness and impact of his conduct.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Matthew John Boyden
Matthew John Boyden was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Middle Temple in 2007.
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
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