Marc Beaumont calls for greater fairness for Barristers
In a new article, I consider how to redress the imbalance in favour of clients when Barristers face disciplinary complaints. I propose that complainants should write pre-complaint protocol letters, and pay issue fees. I call for robust and independent screening of Complaints, bulwarks against outside influence and better transparency in the form of disclosure of the Sponsor reports produced for the Complaints Committee of the BSB. I question the practice of the Complaints Committee taking no further action and then telling the Judicial Appointments Commission or Queen's Counsel Appointments that "a complaint has been made which has not been dismissed." I call for the creation of a Barristers' Defence Committee of the Bar Council or an independent Barristers Defence Association along the lines of the League Managers Association. I advocate a psychological impact assessment of the effect of complaints on Barristers over say, 2 years.
Please see http://www.barristermagazine.com/articles/issue33/beaumont.htm
Damage caused by malicious and unfair complaints against barristers and all other professionals must be addressed.
Natural justice principles must be followed.
It is appaling to hear what is done to the barristers when Complaints Committee takes no further action, but acts to spread gossip.
Damage to professional must be assessed including psychological.
The damage caused is much greater as stress causes hormonal changes that affect mental and physical functioning for a long time.
One can win in courts but the damage is very long lasting.
Posted by: Helen Bright | 02/01/2010 at 12:27 PM