MARRIED BARRISTER IN HIS 40S WHO ASKED PUPIL, 19, WHAT HER BRA SIZE WAS AND TOLD HER SHE 'SHOULD WEAR SKIRTS AND HEELS INSTEAD OF TROUSERS' IS SUSPENDED
A barrister has been suspended following allegations of inappropriate conduct towards a teenage law student.The incident involved him asking the 19-year-old about her bra size and advising her to opt for skirts and heels over trousers.
The lawyer, who was in his late 40s and married, also reportedly sniffed the young woman's neck in an elevator and inquired about her perfume, according to a disciplinary hearing.
The hearing revealed that Robert Kearney, with 25 years of legal experience, made several remarks during a three-day mini pupillage at Manchester University that made the student uncomfortable.
The aspiring lawyer, who has family ties to the legal field, met him in 2015 through her part-time job in the same building as his chambers.
He had given her his contact card, leading to the meeting.
It was stated that the comments ranged from crude banter typical of some criminal barristers to more personal remarks.
While she acknowledged that the culture involved unrefined humor, she maintained it never made her feel unsafe.
Allegations included Mr Kearney discussing semen taste related to pineapple consumption, detailed questions about her sexual experiences, and inappropriate comments about her attire and bra size.
She claimed she did not respond to these comments and pretended to ignore their innuendo.
Afterward, she confided in her family but was advised to ignore the conduct to protect her career prospects.
Her mother and boyfriend suggested she avoid escalating the situation, fearing repercussions in the competitive legal job market.
The misconduct was only reported in 2018 after she read about a similar incident involving Mr Kearney making drunken inappropriate remarks to another pupil.
The tribunal stressed that, although banter occurs among peers, interactions with pupils must be responsible due to the power imbalance.
The witness expressed concern that many pupils might feel unable to complain out of fear for their career.
Mr Kearney denied any misconduct, claiming to have no memory of the pupillage.
However, the panel dismissed his evidence as unpersuasive and found him guilty of improper behavior.
They emphasized that such conduct was wholly inappropriate for someone in a position of authority, given the clear disparity in age and experience.
The tribunal imposed a six-month suspension and ordered him to pay £3,000 in costs.
**Note** An appeal against the decision was subsequently rejected.
