Barrister Zaheer Ahmad suspended for professional misconduct

Barrister Zaheer Ahmad faced consequences for professional misconduct as an independent disciplinary tribunal concluded on April 4, 2024. The tribunal, prompted by charges from the Bar Standards Board (BSB), ordered a six-month suspension from practice.

The tribunal found Mr. Ahmad's behaviour detrimental to public trust and professional integrity. Specifically, he failed to comply with a court order issued by Wandsworth County Court in October 2015, which required payment of £54,595.39 plus £9,416.50 in costs to a third party by November 5, 2015. The unanimous decision of the tribunal deemed these breaches severe enough to warrant suspension.

In response to the order, a BSB spokesperson emphasised the importance of barristers adhering to court orders, stating, "The public should be able to expect barristers to comply with court orders." The substantial sums involved and the prolonged non-compliance led to the tribunal's decision to suspend Mr. Ahmad, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

The tribunal's ruling is subject to appeal.

Mr. Zaheer Ahmad was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Lincoln’s Inn in October 2011.