Retirement of and Appointment of Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Administration Limited Directors

Laurence Gilford (Solicitor Member) and Lesley McMahon-Hathway (Lay Member) are about to conclude their second and final term as Directors of the Tribunal’s administration company Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Administration Ltd (“SDTAL”). Lesley and Laurence became SDTAL Directors and Policy Committee members on 3 July 2012. Both have enjoyed their terms of office.

Martin Hallam (Lay Member) has been appointed as a Director of the SDTAL from 4 July 2018 following a competitive election process involving the full membership of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (“SDT”). In this instance the appointment was not contested. Martin replaces Lesley and will serve as a Director of the SDTAL and Policy Committee member until 3 July 2021.

Martin was appointed by the Master of the Rolls as a Lay Member of the SDT in 2009. He brings to the role of Director considerable senior management experience as a board level executive in the Public Sector, encompassing a variety of roles and latterly that of Chief Executive of a Defence Agency, in the rank of Air Commodore. In his current appointment he is also able to draw on the experience of having been a Magistrate and a Lay Judge in the Family Court.

Colin Chesterton (Solicitor Member) has also been appointed as a as a Director of the SDTAL from 4 July 2018 following a competitive election process involving the full membership of the SDT. Colin replaces Laurence and will serve as a Director of the SDTAL and Policy Committee member until 3 July 2021.

Colin has been a solicitor since 1980 and has been a partner in two firms based in Devon. Colin has been a Solicitor Member of the SDT for twenty four years having been appointed by the Master of the Rolls  in 1994. Colin is keen to utilise his experience to the benefit of the SDT in a Board level role. He brings to the role both his experience at partnership level and gained from his involvement in charitable incorporated organisations over the years.

Edward Nally commented, “I extend a warm welcome to Martin and Colin on their election to the Board and Policy Committee .They both bring considerable experience and skills with them, and join the Board at a dynamic time in the life of the Tribunal. I also wish to congratulate and to thank Lesley and Laurence on the completion of their respective terms , and for the dedicated and effective way in which they have served the Tribunal during their tenure.“

The Members and staff of the SDT send Laurence and Lesley warm wishes and thanks for their commitment to their office as Directors of the SDTAL and Policy Committee members. We also wish Martin and Colin all the very best for a successful term of office.