Yasser Mahmood

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

Mr Yasser Mahmood, an unregistered barrister, submitted a CV to Arden University on 19 May 2021 in support of an application to be an external examiner, in which he asserted he had worked at Tooks Chambers as a barrister conducting employment cases from October 2010 to December 2012, when he had never held a practising certificate. The tribunal rejected his explanation that this was an honest mistake due to dyslexia, finding the CV was clear and comprehensive with no other errors, and that he had deliberately and dishonestly given the impression he had been a practising barrister. The panel found a breach of CD5 and rC8 and expressly found his conduct undermined his integrity and honesty. Culpability was moderate (calculated, intended benefit) and harm low. The indicative sanction was disbarment absent exceptional circumstances; none relating to dishonesty were found. He was disbarred and ordered to pay costs of £2,670.

Duties found breached:

• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank

Aggravating factors:

• Conduct was calculated
• Mr Mahmood intended to benefit (albeit benefit not significant)

Mitigating factors:

• No previous regulatory history
• Character references describing conduct as out of character
• Deterioration of mental health
• Had to change employment as a result of the charge
• Caring responsibilities