SSDT Annual Report 2021

Annual Report 2021

According to the latest Annual Report from the Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal, the Tribunal heard and made decisions in 31 cases in the year 2020-2021.  There were 14 findings of professional misconduct.  Three solicitors were found not guilty and their cases were remitted to the Law Society for determination of unsatisfactory professional conduct.  One Complaint of professional misconduct was withdrawn. The Tribunal dealt with eight appeal cases under section 42ZA of the 1980 Act.

Three solicitors were struck off and can no longer practise. This is the most serious sanction the Tribunal can impose.  The Tribunal prohibited restoration of one solicitor’s name to the roll. Other solicitors were censured, fined and/or made the subject of restricted practising certificates.  Compensation was awarded in two cases. 

The main grounds for solicitors’ misconduct were accounts rules breaches, breach of the anti-money laundering provisions and dishonesty.

The report can be read on the SSDT website here.