Tribunal rules misconduct undermined trust after findings by Canadian regulator
An independent disciplinary tribunal has ordered the disbarment of barrister Jonathan Lee Black-Branch following findings of professional misconduct, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) confirmed in a press release issued on 3 February 2026.
The tribunal concluded proceedings on 2 February after upholding five charges brought by the regulator. It found that Dr Black-Branch had behaved in a manner that could reasonably be seen to undermine his honesty and integrity. The tribunal also determined that his conduct was likely to diminish public trust and confidence in both him and the wider legal profession.
The decision follows earlier findings made by the Law Society of Manitoba, the regulatory body for lawyers in Manitoba, Canada. On 15 December 2023, that body ruled that between April 2017 and February 2020, Dr Black-Branch obtained 600,000 Canadian dollars for his own benefit and for an organisation in which he served as both an officer and director.
At the time, Dr Black-Branch held the position of Dean of the Law School at the University of Manitoba. The Canadian regulator subsequently disbarred him as a result of those findings.
The BSB tribunal considered the Canadian ruling as part of its proceedings. It also found that Dr Black-Branch had failed to self-report the matter to the regulator in England and Wales, as required under professional conduct rules.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Bar Standards Board said the actions identified by the Law Society of Manitoba were incompatible with the standards expected of barristers practising in England and Wales. The spokesperson added that the tribunal’s decision to disbar Dr Black-Branch reflects the seriousness of the misconduct established in the case.
The tribunal’s findings emphasise the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency within the legal profession, particularly where conduct in another jurisdiction may have implications for professional standing in England and Wales.
Dr Black-Branch was called to the Bar by Lincoln’s Inn in May 1995. His disbarment marks the most severe disciplinary outcome available to the tribunal.
The decision, however, is not yet final. The tribunal’s findings remain subject to appeal, meaning further legal steps may follow depending on whether an appeal is lodged.
The Bar Standards Board continues to regulate barristers in England and Wales, with a mandate to uphold professional standards and protect public confidence in the legal system.