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Discriminatory Instructions

Purpose: To guide all barristers in how to respond to discriminatory instructions
Scope of application: All practising barristers and chambers
Issued by: Equality, Diversity and Social Mobility Committee
First reviewed: 01/11/2013
Last reviewed: 01/10/2018
Status and effect: Please see the notice at end of this page. This is not "guidance" for the purposes of the BSB Handbook I6.4.

Under the Equality Act 2010 (“EqA”) it is unlawful for anyone (including solicitors, clients and clerks) to select counsel on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. These are all protected characteristics.


Download: Discriminatory Instructions:

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Important Notice

This document has been prepared by the Bar Council to assist barristers on matters of professional conduct and ethics. It is not “guidance” for the purposes of the BSB Handbook I6.4, and neither the BSB nor a disciplinary tribunal nor the Legal Ombudsman is bound by any views or advice expressed in it. It does not comprise – and cannot be relied on as giving – legal advice. It has been prepared in good faith, but neither the Bar Council nor any of the individuals responsible for or involved in its preparation accept any responsibility or liability for anything done in reliance on it. For fuller information as to the status and effect of this document, please see here.

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