Bar Standards Board fails to act on barrister harassment

In August 2025, we complained to the Bar Standards Board (BSB) after Sarah Phillimore shared more than 50 posts across multiple social media platforms that referred to Kate*, frequently in derogatory terms. In those posts, Phillimore misgendered, deadnamed and shared photos of Kate, and used graphic language about her genitals. Following that campaign Kate made an attempt on her own life – as is evident from her GP records.

As a barrister, Phillimore is meant to be held to high standards by the Bar Standards Board. The board’s handbook makes clear that barristers must not “behave in a way which is likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in you or in the profession”.

And in September 2025, an independent review of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar by Baroness Harriet Harman KC recommended that:

“If a barrister who is bullying or harassing another person online can be identified as a member of the profession (by virtue of his/her name, title, or the content of the comments), then the conduct ought to engage the remit of the regulator. Where online abuse is aggravated by any form of discrimination, such as misogyny or racism, the threshold for regulatory action should always be triggered on the basis that it is highly likely that such conduct will undermine trust and confidence in the profession.”

Despite this, the BSB has rejected our complaint, concluding that “an investigation does not need to be started and that no further action should be taken”.

In its decision, the BSB said that “The context of [Kate’s] social media and public comments has brought her own trans status into the debate” and “We do not consider that [Phillimore] singles [Kate] out for cruel treatment, such that her behaviour victimises [Kate]”. You can read its decision, redacted of private information, here. 

We made our complaint to the BSB after taking advice from counsel, including King’s Counsel, and we stand by our view that Phillimore’s awful conduct is harassment. 

We will be asking the BSB to refer its decision not to investigate Phillimore to an Independent Reviewer – the next step in taking the complaint forward – and, should the BSB continue to refuse to investigate, we expect to bring judicial review proceedings against it.

GLP’s founder, Jolyon Maugham, is also being threatened with a defamation claim by Phillimore. She says she is currently preparing her claim. Jolyon will defend any proceedings brought against him. 

Should you wish to contribute to the costs of defending Phillimore’s defamation claim, or our work defending the right of trans people to live dignified lives free from harassment, you can do so below.

*Kate’s name has been changed because of concerns about her safety. We have also redacted the BSB’s letter only to remove information which might identify Kate.