Preparations for the coming into force of the Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 2019
The Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 2019 (“SDPR 2019”) come into force on 25 November 2019, and will apply to all cases certified as showing a case to answer on or after 25 November 2019.
Publication of updated Judgment Publication Policy
On 4 September 2019 the SDT’s Policy Committee, led by the President of the Tribunal Edward Nally, published an updated version of the SDT’s Judgment Publication policy.
Changes to the Tribunal's Membership
As you may have seen from our website previously this year Laurence Gilford, Richard Hegarty and Millius Palayiwa have retired. In addition Timothy Smith, Howard Sharkett and Martin Jackson have resigned.
On 23 August 2019, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and its administration company Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Administration Ltd signed a new 3 year Memorandum of Understanding with the Legal Services Board and The Law Society.
Richard Hegarty, Solicitor Member of the SDT since 2009, retired on 15 August 2019. Richard, in his piece for this year’s Annual Report acknowledged the considerable changes he had seen during his time at the Tribunal including in respect of the complexity of cases.
Making of the Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 2019
Following the Legal Services Board’s approval of the Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 2019 (“SDPR”) the Statutory Instrument has now been made and can be found here.
In May 2019 the Tribunal submitted its application for the making of its proposed new rules to the Legal Services Board (“LSB”). This application included a proposed move from the criminal standard of proof (beyond reasonable doubt) to the civil standard of proof (balance of probabilities).
The SDT published its Annual Report 2018 on 25 June 2019.
Retirement of Laurence Gilford
Laurence Gilford, Solicitor Member of the SDT since 1998, retired on 31 May 2019. Laurence was one of the Tribunal’s longer serving Members.
Application for the making of proposed new Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules
The Tribunal has now submitted its application for the making of its proposed new rules to the Legal Services Board (“LSB”).
The 28-day initial decision period began on 7 May 2019 and ended on 3 June 2019. The LSB has extended this decision period until 4 August 2019.