A barrister who carried out reserved legal activities for almost six years without a valid barristers’ practising certificate has been suspended.

Bernadette McGurk faced an independent disciplinary tribunal following charges of professional misconduct brought by the Bar Standards Board.

The tribunal found that McGurk carried out reserved legal activities on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service between 1 August 2012 and 11 February 2018 without authorisation.

The tribunal also found that by not holding a valid practising certificate, McGurk failed to take reasonable steps to manage her practice competently and in such a way as to achieve compliance with her legal and regulatory obligations.

Director of professional conduct at the BSB, Sara Jagger, said: ‘The tribunal’s decision to suspend Ms McGurk serves as a warning to barristers of the serious consequences that can flow from failing to comply with their practising obligations.’

The tribunal’s decision is open to appeal.