Katrina McCarthy

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

A 5-person Disciplinary Tribunal found that Katrina McCarthy practised as a barrister and exercised rights of audience at Hammersmith County Court between October 2014 and March 2015 without holding a valid practising certificate, contrary to ss.14 and 17 of the Legal Services Act 2007. On 19 March 2015 she knowingly misled District Judge Ryan by falsely asserting she was appearing as a barrister, that she had been instructed by solicitors, and that she could produce a practising certificate within 7 days. She also failed to report her own serious misconduct to the BSB and failed to provide information requested in the investigation. She was disbarred and fined £2,400. The decision is open to appeal.

Duties found breached:

• Act only on proper, lawful instructions
• Firm governance, systems and compliance
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues
• Hold a current practising certificate
• No improper communication with the court
• Not mislead the court
• Report serious misconduct of others