‘Misconduct’ threat to militant barristers

BARRISTERS could face disciplinary action if they go on strike when they are meant to be in court, the country’s top judge has warned.

The Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett of Maldon said it ‘may amount to professional misconduct’ if lawyers fail to turn up to scheduled hearings despite previously agreeing to represent a defendant.

His comments came after members of the Criminal Bar Association voted for four weeks of industrial action over their pay. The walkouts will probably derail trials and could see picket lines outside major courts such as the Old Bailey.

Lord Burnett said: ‘Cases in which there is non-attendance should be referred to the Senior Presiding Judge’s Office to consider whether to involve [watchdog] the Bar Standards Board. The question whether a failure to attend amounts to professional misconduct will then be a matter for [a] disciplinary process.’