COVID 19: Hearings in Gate House
Following the closure of the Tribunal’s offices and courtrooms, from 7 September 2020, the majority of our hearings continue to be held remotely. Please do not attend the Tribunal unless you have been notified that your hearing is taking place at Gate House.
Retirement of Jim Astle and Stephen Howe
September sees the retirement of two of the SDT’s Members. Jim Astle, Solicitor Member of the SDT since 2009, retired on 14 September 2020 and Stephen Howe, Lay Member of the SDT since 2006, formally retired at the same time.
Updated User Guidance in respect of Remote and Hybrid Hearings
The Tribunal is now operating remote and hybrid hearings. To assist all parties the Tribunal has updated its Zoom User Guide to provide guidance for those participating in remote hearings and for those attending a hybrid hearing remotely.
SDT Re-Accredited As An Investor In People
Following an online re-assessment visit in early August 2020, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has maintained its Investors in People status at the Standard level, with an increase in the number of Indicators achieving higher performance levels.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
The Tribunal has published its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for 2020–2023, setting out its diversity priorities and objectives for the next three years.
Updated Practice Direction in respect of Remote and Hybrid Hearings
In response to the coronavirus outbreak the Tribunal introduced remote hearings. Whilst the majority of hearings will continue to take place remotely for the foreseeable future the Tribunal will be listing a small number of “hybrid” hearings at Gate House from September 2020.
The Tribunal’s offices and courtrooms at Gate House are currently closed until further notice in light of the coronavirus outbreak. Please do not attend the Tribunal until further notice.
The SDT published its Annual Report for 2019 on 24 July 2020.
The Report shows that the SDT received a total of 137 applications in 2019, including 10 lay applications from members of the public against solicitors. It sat for 308 days and heard 144 cases.
Jacqueline Devonish, Solicitor Member of the SDT since August 2006, has resigned with effect from 30 June 2020. In her time at the Tribunal Jacqueline has chaired many high profile and complex cases.
Following representations the Policy Committee has reconsidered its decision not to publish the responses received in relation to the above consultation. The Tribunal has now approved publication of the responses to the consultation.