SSDT Annual Report 2022

Annual Report 2022

According to the latest Annual Report from the Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal, the Tribunal heard and made decisions in 33 cases in the year 2021-2022.  There were 16 findings of professional misconduct.  Two solicitors were found not guilty and one case was 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  One Complaint of professional misconduct was withdrawn.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.  Other solicitors were censured, fined and/or made the subject of restricted practising certificates, and suspended.  Five orders for compensation were made.

The main grounds for solicitors’ misconduct were accounts rules breaches, breaches of the practice rules, acting in a conflict of interest situation and failing to respond to the Law Society of Scotland.

The report can be read on the SSDT website here.