Barrister disbarred after allegations of sexual harassment

A barrister has been disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal after 'findings of professional misconduct', the Bar Standards Board has said.

Robert Kearney was suspended from practice for six months in 2021 over sexual comments he allegedly made towards a female mini-pupil.

The Bar Standards Board said the findings of professional misconduct followed a number of charges it brought.

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In a statement on its website, the BSB said: "Barrister Robert Michael Kearney was ordered to be disbarred by an independent disciplinary tribunal which concluded on 19 July 2023 following findings of professional misconduct on a number of charges brought by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).

"The charges related to two separate cases of alleged sexual harassment involving two pupil barristers and a student undertaking a mini pupillage. The first set of proceedings related to Mr Kearney's conduct towards the two pupils at a chambers social event and subsequently at a bar; the second set of proceedings involved his conduct toward a mini-pupil on separate occasions.

"The disbarment follows Mr Kearney’s previous disciplinary history for similar conduct.

"Alongside the disbarment, the Tribunal also imposed an immediate suspension pending any appeal ordering that BSB take immediate steps to suspend Mr Kearney's practising certificate."

Commenting on the order, BSB Director of Legal and Enforcement, Sara Jagger, said: "The tribunal’s decision to disbar Mr Kearney demonstrates that sexual harassment is manifestly incompatible with the high standards expected of the Bar - this type of conduct has no place in a modern, inclusive Bar."

The BSB said