Representation in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal

Representation in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal

Appearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) is a serious matter for any solicitor – whether it is in connection with a technical breach of the rules or as a result of involvement in dishonesty or fraud. The Lawyers Defence Group is able to provide you and your firm with advice and representation before the SDT and can assist you at all stages of the proceedings.

We have extensive experience of representing clients before the SDT and can also assist at earlier stages of the proceedings – for example in trying to persuade the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to accept a Regulatory Settlement Agreement instead of awaiting the outcome of SDT proceedings. We have successfully defended many solicitors over the past few years and have on several occasions been able to persuade the SRA to close their investigations and withdraw proceedings.

With our experience, we believe that we achieve results second to none.

Appearing regularly before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal we have an intrinsic understanding of the nature of the Tribunal panel, the approach they take to decision making and therefore we are well placed to ensure that your defence is properly understood.

We realise that many solicitors believe that they can adequately represent themselves before the SDT. We would like to argue that usually this is not the case.

As specialists in this field we understand how the SDT operate and the factors that they are likely to take into account. Given that it is open to the SDT to levy an unlimited fines, impose substantial costs and order a suspension or striking off, it is a false economy to put both a career and a reputation at risk.

The outcomes of SRA investigations and SDT proceedings are not isolated in nature. They are likely to impact on your ability to practice, your insurance coverage, your financial wealth, your reputation and your relationship with your company, LLP, partnership or as employee.

For further information, contact the Lawyers Defence Group by:

  • telephoning during office hours – 0333 888 4070,
  • requesting a call-back using the call-back request form to the right,
  • telephoning our out of hours number (but please only in an emergency – for example when someone has been arrested or you believe that your firm might be about to be intervened in) 07952 861 868,
  • emailing us at help@lawyersdefencegroup.org.uk, or
  • writing to us at one of the addresses at the bottom of this web page.

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