SSDT Annual Report 2020

Annual Report 2020

According to the latest Annual Report from the Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal, the Tribunal heard and made decisions on 29 cases in the year 2019-2020.  There were 16 findings of professional misconduct.  Three solicitors were found not guilty.  The Tribunal dealt with nine appeal cases under section 42ZA of the 1980 Act. One Complaint of misconduct was withdrawn.

One solicitor was struck off and can no longer practise. This is the most serious sanction the Tribunal can impose.  Others were censured, fined and/or made the subject of restricted practising certificates.  Compensation was awarded in five cases.  Two claims for compensation were withdrawn.

The main grounds for solicitors’ misconduct included failure to comply with the Practice Rules and the Accounts Rules.  This year, there were also a number of cases involving conflict of interest.  Delay, failing to respond and misleading others have also featured.

The report can be read on the SSDT website here.