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JCIO 05/24
Date: 14 February 2024
A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:
The Senior President of Tribunals, on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice, and the Lord Chancellor have issued Mr Paul Michell, a fee paid Employment Judge, with a formal warning for misconduct.
The Guide to Judicial Conduct reminds office-holders to be courteous, tolerant and respect the dignity of all.
Following an adjournment of a remote Employment Tribunal hearing in which he was acting as a legal representative, Mr Michell was overheard making an inappropriate comment about the claimant.
Following an investigation carried out under the Judicial Conduct (Tribunal) Rules 2014, the President of the Employment Tribunals (England and Wales) concluded that although he was not sitting as a judge when he made the comment, Mr Michell’s comment about how he felt about the other party was inappropriate, reflected poorly on the Employment Tribunal and risked causing damage to the impartiality and reputation of the judiciary.
Mr Michell stated that the conversation was intended to be private, but his instructing solicitor had forgotten to disconnect from the hearing. He expressed his deep regret for any offence caused and offered a whole-hearted apology.
In reaching their decision, the Senior President of Tribunals and the Lord Chancellor took into consideration the mitigation offered by Mr Michell. They agreed with the findings of the President that the matter constituted misconduct.
Media queries in relation to the JCIO should be made in the first instance to the Judicial Press Office - telephone 020 7073 4852 or via email - press.enquiries@judiciary.gsi.gov.uk
Sanctions for misconduct by judicial office-holders are set out in the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. They are, in order of severity: formal advice, formal warning, reprimand and removal from office.
For more information about the Office, including details on how to make a complaint against a judicial office holder, you can visit the JCIO website at: Judicial Conduct Investigations website
