SDT Future Voices: Talent in Training at the SDT
The Tribunal was delighted to welcome Ranya Tokatly to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Placement Scheme recently.
Ranya is a Solicitor Apprentice at C E Transport Law, where she works on transport matters, supporting the team with legal research, case preparation for public inquiries and criminal cases, and client care, especially in complex operator licensing. Ranya graduated in 2023 with a First Class Honours LLB from Aston University and received the Pro-Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Performance during her studies.
Ranya has been kind enough to share her experiences of our placement scheme.
“I am currently a Solicitor Apprentice at C E Transport Law and studying for the SQE alongside my role as I work towards qualifying as a solicitor. I recently completed a work experience placement with the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, which provided me with valuable insight into the types of cases brought before the tribunal and helped me to understand how professional standards are upheld within the legal profession. It has been highly beneficial to my development and training, reinforcing the importance of conducting oneself to high ethical standards.
What I enjoyed most about the placement was observing the tribunal panel’s deliberation of the issues before them. It was particularly interesting to see how each panel member arrived at their decision, as they each had different viewpoints on the type of sanction that should be imposed, perspectives I had not considered throughout the hearing. I was able to observe how they worked through the sanctions framework and determined which categories the case fell into. I also found it insightful to see how the panel members balanced the solicitor’s individual case with the wider public interest. This experience helped me to understand how the SRA principles apply in practice and where solicitors may fall foul of not upholding them.
One of the most valuable parts of the experience was observing advocates present their cases before the tribunal. It was particularly interesting to see how each advocate structured their arguments, delivered their submissions, and conducted themselves. Prior to this experience, I had not considered the type of advocate I wanted to become or how I would present a case before a tribunal or court, but observing the hearing really helped me to understand how to make effective submissions, guide the Tribunal through the bundles, cross-examine respondents, and address weaknesses in cases.
It was also helpful to be able to ask the Tribunal panel questions about how they would have approached the case differently had the solicitor not conducted themselves improperly. It was valuable to have those conversations and to hear from their experience about what to do when things evidently go wrong and mistakes happen. The key reflection I gained from this experience is the importance of addressing mistakes at the earliest opportunity and rectifying them without delay.
One of my favourite aspects of the experience was meeting everyone in the Tribunal, as they were very welcoming and took the time to explain the processes and procedures of the hearings.
For any aspiring solicitors or trainees considering this opportunity, I highly recommend applying for the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Placement Scheme. It is an eye-opening experience that deepens your understanding of the responsibilities and standards that define the profession while providing practical lessons to carry into your future practice as a solicitor.”
