Former University of Manitoba Law Dean Disbarred in UK and Wales Amid Ongoing Canadian Arrest Warrant

Jonathan Black-Branch, who served as dean of the University of Manitoba's law school from 2016 to 2020, has been disbarred in the United Kingdom and Wales. The Bar Standards Board issued the decision in February, citing professional misconduct related to the misspending of over $600,000 in university funds. Black-Branch was first called to the bar in the UK and Wales in 1998.

The UK tribunal found that Black-Branch's actions involved blatant and sustained dishonesty. The decision referenced the 2024 disbarment by the Law Society of Manitoba, which detailed the misuse of endowment funds for expenses including meals at the Manitoba Club, personal education at Ivy League schools, accommodation, and travel between 2017 and 2020.

Black-Branch was fined £2,670, equivalent to approximately $4,900 Canadian, based on five charges of professional misconduct.

the Misconduct Concerns about Black-Branch's spending were first raised by University of Manitoba staff in 2019.

The Law Society of Manitoba's investigation, following a hearing in fall 2023, confirmed the misspending and led to his disbarment in February 2024, along with a $36,000 fine. Black-Branch left his position as dean suddenly in 2020 without a formal explanation and did not participate in the Manitoba proceedings or the UK tribunal.

A Canada-wide arrest warrant has been in effect for over two years since Black-Branch disappeared during the Manitoba investigation.

The Winnipeg Police Service confirmed on Tuesday that the investigation remains ongoing. Black-Branch failed to disclose the Manitoba investigation findings to UK regulators, which contributed to the UK disbarment.

The Bar Standards Board stated that Black-Branch's actions were unacceptable and incompatible with standards in England and Wales.

A spokesperson noted that the disbarment reflects the seriousness of the conduct. The Law Society of Manitoba described the UK disbarment as an appropriate measure to uphold professional standards and maintain confidence in legal regulation.

“There is no doubt that Black-Branch's actions amount to blatant and sustained dishonesty.”

The University of Manitoba obtained a summary judgment from the Manitoba Court of King's Bench in May 2025, requiring Black-Branch to pay $682,000. A university spokesperson stated that the institution intends to pursue all available collection remedies.

Some professors had urged the university to pursue legal action, including potential charges, after initially deferring to the Law Society proceedings; the university later requested an investigation by Winnipeg police.