A barrister, Yasser Mahmood, has been disbarred after falsely claiming experience at a prestigious London chambers without completing pupillage.
- His misleading CV was submitted to Arden University in 2021, claiming experience at Tooks Chambers from October 2010 to December 2012.
- The Bar Standards Board highlighted his actions as falling short of the expected integrity and honesty for barristers.
- Concerns have been raised by the Bar Council regarding the timing of barrister call and practice qualifications.
- Mr Mahmood’s case underscores the push for reforms in the barrister qualification process.
In a significant ruling, Yasser Mahmood, an unregistered barrister, has been disbarred for falsifying his professional credentials. He claimed to have worked as an employment barrister at Tooks Chambers, a renowned set in London, between 2010 and 2012. However, investigations revealed he had neither completed the essential pupillage nor possessed a practising certificate during this time.
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) issued a statement emphasising that members of the public have a right to expect accuracy when barristers represent their practising history. The BSB underscored that Mr Mahmood’s dishonest portrayal of his career contravened the high standards of integrity and honesty obligatory for barristers. Following this revelation, a tribunal has decided to disbar Mr Mahmood, although he retains the right to appeal this decision.
Financial penalties have also been levied, with Mr Mahmood ordered to cover costs totalling £2,670. Meanwhile, the case sheds light on broader issues within the legal profession regarding the qualifications and credentials of barristers. In particular, the procedure by which barristers are called to the Bar has faced scrutiny.
Nick Vineall KC, former chair of the Bar Council, highlighted the systemic issue of barristers being called to the Bar post-Bar training course completion but prior to completing a pupillage. Currently, this status allows individuals to identify as barristers without having the requisite practical experience, leading to potential confusion for clients and a perceived unfair financial burden on those who are practising.
Vineall has advocated for a change in policy to ensure that barristers are called only after completing their pupillage, with a suggestion for a provisional call during the second six months of training. This approach aims to mitigate confusion and ensure a more equitable landscape for practising barristers. Despite some dissent from within the Bar Council ranks, there is considerable support for such reforms, which are seen as crucial for maintaining professional standards and potentially enhancing social mobility within the field.
The disbarment of Mr Mahmood highlights the imperative for transparent credentials and may precipitate critical reforms in the barrister qualification process.
