Constitutions and Procedures
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal ("SDT") is a statutory tribunal and is assisted in its administration by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Administration Limited ("SDTAL"), a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under company number 06654464. The address of the SDT and registered office of the SDTAL is 3rd Floor, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London, EC4M 7LG.
The SDT is funded in accordance with the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding dated 23 August 2019 made between the Legal Services Board, the SDT, SDTAL, and The Law Society. Neither the SDT nor the SDTAL are registered for VAT purposes.
The Tribunal is empowered, with the concurrence of the Master of the Rolls, to make rules governing its procedure and this power is exercisable by statutory instrument.
For First Instance Proceedings Certified As Showing A Case to Answer On Or Before 24 November 2019
For applications certified as showing a case to answer on or before 24 November 2019 the rules are the Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 2007 [S.I.2007/3588] Please also see Correction Note - July 2009
The Practice Directions applying to proceedings under the Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 2007 are:
Current Practice/Procedural Directions
Service of Proceedings
Disclosure/Discovery
Application for Rehearing
Service by Special Delivery
Inference To Be Drawn Where Respondent Does Not Give Evidence
Case Management For First Instance Proceedings
Including Practice Direction, template Standard Directions and Certificate of Readiness
Applications for adjournment of hearings
Policy & Practice Notes on Adjournment and Application Form
Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Guidance Note on Applications for Special Measures for Vulnerable Witness and Application Form
Applications to use video link
For First Instance Proceedings Certified As Showing A Case to Answer On Or After 25 November 2019
For applications certified as showing a case to answer on or after 25 November 2019 the rules are the Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 2019 [S.I.2019/1185]
The Practice Directions applying to proceedings under the Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 2007 do not apply to proceedings under the Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 2019.
The Tribunal has made one Practice Direction in relation to the 2019 Rules:
Agreed Outcomes
Applications for adjournment of hearings
Guidance Rule 23 (Adjournments) and Application Form
Applications for special measures directions
Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Guidance Note on Applications for Special Measures for Vulnerable Witnesses and Application Form
Applications to use video link
From time to time the Tribunal issues Notices and makes Practice/Procedural Directions under Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 2019 Rule 21(3).
Please also refer to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Guidance Note on Sanctions (7th Edition) for details of the Tribunal's powers on sanctions for cases heard after 25 November 2019.
The rules governing appeals are the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (Appeals and Amendment) Rules 2011.
Information concerning other applications that can be made to the SDT are included in the:
Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Guidance Note on Other Powers of the Tribunal (3rd Edition) which applies to cases heard after 25 November 2019.
The Tribunal has issued Guidance for Persons Assisting a Party. Please refer to this Guidance if a party to proceedings before the Tribunal has asked you to assist them and you are not a legal representative who has a right to conduct proceedings before the Tribunal.
For copies of previous editions of the Guidance Note on Sanctions please contact the SDT administrative office by telephone to 0207 329 4808 or email Enquiries@solicitorsdt.com.