The Secret Barrister is an anonymous junior barrister practicing criminal law in England and Wales. Through a series of books and a popular blog, this enigmatic figure has shed light on the intricacies and flaws of the UK’s legal system, making complex legal issues accessible to the general public.
The Secret Barrister should not be confused with the BlackBelt Barrister.
Update 19th August 2024 – Is the Secret Barrister not a Barrister of England and Wales ?
Update 23rd August 2024 – Paul Embery wrote an article Crossing swords with the ‘Secret [and very intolerant] Barrister’
Who is The Secret Barrister ?
The identity of The Secret Barrister remains unknown to the public, but everyone loves a good mystery and a healthy whodunnit !
Despite various speculations and attempts to uncover their identity, they have successfully maintained their anonymity until now. The Secret Barrister was described as a junior barrister specialising in criminal law, aged between 30 and 40, and not an Oxbridge graduate. They have also been described as a lefty lawyer.
The Secret Barrister stated on X that the question : Is Keir Starmer The Secret Barrister ? kept recurring.
There may be a clue to the identity of The Secret Barrister online with many people saying it is Lyndon Harris !
Mr Lyndon John Harris is listed on the register at the Bar Standards Board website. He was called to the Bar in Jul 2010. His Inn of Court is Gray’s Inn.
Lyndon John HARRIS was a Director of PRIMUS LEGAL MEDIA CONSULTANTS LTD (08870530).
Is The Secret Barrister Lyndon Harris of 6KPW Barrister Chambers ?
Who do you think The Secret Barrister is ? Will the Bar Standards Board reveal who they are ⬇
The Secret Barrister and a “Moron”
On the 7th August 2024 in response to a tweet by Alex Armstrong, The Secret Barrister replied publicly “You are a moron….”.
In a now deleted tweet (due to continued abusive language), I asked if this behaviour was in breach of CD5 of the Bar Standards Board Code of Conduct.
CD5 You 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
Bar Standards Board Code of Conduct
The Secret Barrister replied “Suck it up, buttercup. It’s called free speech. I understand your sort are very keen on it.“
The term moron is now widely accepted as being dated and offensive.
A person affected with mild intellectual disability
The terms idiot, imbecile, moron, and their derivatives were formerly used as technical descriptors in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts. These uses were broadly rejected by the close of the 20th century and are now considered offensive.
Miriam Webster definition of moron
“Name calling” is also widely considered to be a form of bullying and harassment. I believe it’s also illegal !
Hardly the behaviour of a Barrister of England and Wales. It displays wanton arrogance and a rules don’t apply to me attitude.
The Secret Barrister may have friends in high places and be an expert in law, however no one is above the law. Thanks for reminding me about free speech.
The Secret Barrister has been reported to the Bar Standards Board to investigate :-
You can also report behaviour by a barrister to us even if you were not their client. For example, you can make a report about barristers who may be:
……behaving in a way which is likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in them or in the profession – for example if they are bullying or harassing someone or using racist, sexist, or otherwise seriously offensive language either in person or on social media.
Reporting concerns about barristers – Bar Standards Board
From: Dom Watts
Sent: Thursday, August 8, 2024 10:25 AM
To: contactus@barstandardsboard.org.uk
Subject: Reporting a concerns about a practising barrister (The Secret Barrister)
Importance: HighDear Bar Standards Board
I wish to report a barrister ( The Secret Barrister) for a breach of CD5 and behaving in a way which is likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in them or in the profession –bullying / harassing someone using seriously offensive language either in person or on social media.
I am unable to use your online reporting form as I do not have the details for The Secret Barrister. I’m sure you know who they are !
Can you confirm that they are a practising barrister and regulated by you ?
I believe that sending my concern by email is allowed by your Reasonable Adjustments Policy. If not, could you please provide their full name and chambers so I can complete your online form ?
Regards
Email to the Bar Standards Board with concerns about The Secret Barrister
The Secret Barrister on YouTube
The Secret Barrister: is it only the rich who can afford to defend themselves?
Books by The Secret Barrister
- The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It’s Broken (2018)
- This debut book provides a critical first-hand account of the criminal justice system in England and Wales. It highlights the systemic issues and underfunding that plague the legal system, using real-life cases to illustrate these points.
- Fake Law: The Truth About Justice in an Age of Lies (2020)
- In this follow-up, The Secret Barrister tackles the misinformation and myths surrounding the legal system. The book debunks common misconceptions and explains how these falsehoods can harm justice and society.
- Nothing But The Truth: Stories of Crime, Guilt and the Loss of Innocence (2022)
- This memoir tracks the author’s journey from a novice barrister to a celebrated legal commentator. It combines personal anecdotes with broader reflections on the state of the legal profession and the justice system.
Themes and Impact
The Secret Barrister’s works are known for their candid and often critical perspective on the legal system. Key themes include:
- Access to Justice: Highlighting the barriers that prevent ordinary people from accessing legal representation.
- Legal Aid Cuts: Criticizing the impact of funding cuts on the quality of legal defense available to defendants.
- Systemic Failures: Exposing the daily failures within the courts that undermine justice.
Online Presence and Resources
The Secret Barrister also maintains a blog and an active X presence, where they continue to discuss legal issues and engage with the public. Here are some useful links:
Conclusion
The Secret Barrister has played a crucial role in demystifying the legal system for the public. Through their books and online presence, they continue to advocate for a fairer, more transparent justice system. Whether you’re a legal professional or simply interested in understanding how the law works, The Secret Barrister’s insights are invaluable.
Latest Blog Posts from thesecretbarrister.com
Check out our related articles on Barristers, Direct Access Barrister, Barristers Behaving Badly, Inns of Court, Council of the Inns of Court, Bar Standards Board, Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Services, Rule of Law, Open Justice, Innocent until Proven Guilty and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.
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The Secret Barrister was last updated on the 15th January 2025
