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FAQs Archive

Applications

As a Lay Applicant, can I challenge a decision not to certify that there is a case to answer?

There is a right of appeal by the Lay Applicant to the High Court under section 49(2), Solicitors Act 1974 (as amended). The parties to the appeal are… Read more


Facilities and access

Are refreshments provided?

Tea, coffee and water are provided free of charge to all visitors…. Read more


Appeals

Do I have to inform the Tribunal about my appeal to the Administrative Court?

Yes, you must tell the Chair of the Tribunal from whose decision the appeal is brought that you are appealing against the decision – see Civil … Read more


Appeals

How do I appeal against a substantive decision of the Tribunal?

Appeals from substantive decisions of the Tribunal lie to the Administrative Court. The Tribunal is not a party to appeals from its substantive … Read more


Hearings

Can I watch a Tribunal hearing?

Yes. Most hearings are open to the public and we encourage remote attendance by Zoom. However, any party to a case and any person who claims to be … Read more


Hearings

How do I obtain a transcript of a hearing?

The Tribunal does not produce written transcripts of its hearings; however, it does provide audio copies of hearings available on request.  A copy of… Read more


Judgments

How soon after a final hearing will the Judgment be made available?

The SDT aims to produce judgments within seven weeks of the last day of the hearing in 85% of cases. Judgments may take longer to produce in lengthy … Read more


Judgments

Can I have a copy of a Judgment?

Yes, in most cases. Judgments are published on our website in accordance with our Judgment Publication Policy.  This Policy sets out how long … Read more


Hearings, Judgments

Can the Tribunal award compensation?

The Tribunal does not have power to award compensation. The Legal Ombudsman does have power to do so. Please see the Legal Ombudsman’s website… Read more


Judgments

Can I find out whether a solicitor has ever appeared before the SDT?

Yes. If the name of the solicitor you are interested in does not appear in our published judgments, then please contact us and a member of staff … Read more


Refine your search

We publish judgments as soon as they are available. If you would like to check if a solicitor has had a previous judgment against them then please search by name or case number.