Guidance

The guidance and information below is designed to assist you with SDT processes and procedures.

Please also refer to the Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 2019.

Appeals – Time Limits

This guidance clarifies the time limit for the lodging of an appeal to the Administrative Court.
Circulation of Draft Judgments

This guidance sets out the circumstances for the circulation of draft judgments to parties, in which drafts are provided to check factual accuracy and clerical errors.
Foreign Evidence: Position following FCDO Clarification

This guidance sets out the position following clarification from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Taking of Evidence Unit (11 June 2025). Parties are no longer required to obtain FCDO permission or letters of request in order to take evidence from witnesses abroad in SDT proceedings.
Guidance Note – Adjournments
Guidance Note – Health Issues
Guidance Note – Procedural Applications
Guidance Note on Appeals

The purpose of this Guidance Note is to assist the parties, the public and the legal profession in understanding the Tribunal’s decision-making process.
Guidance Note on Applications for Special Measures

This Guidance Note has been prepared to ensure all applications for special measures at Tribunal hearings are dealt with consistently and efficiently and to maximise the quality of evidence given by all those who appear before the Tribunal.
Guidance Note on Other Powers

The purpose of this Guidance Note is to assist the parties, the public and the legal profession in understanding the Tribunal’s decision-making process.
Guidance Note on Sanctions – 11th Edition

This Guidance Note consists of a distillation of current Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (“the Tribunal”) sanctioning principles brought together in one document.