These Rules regulate procedure for the making, hearing and determination of Applications (and complaints) made pursuant to the provisions of the Solicitors Act 1974 to the Solicitors' Disciplinary Tribunal constituted under that Act.
The Rules re-enact the Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 1985 with amendments.
The changes of substance relate to the change in the Tribunal’s jurisdiction following the enactment of the Administration of Justice Act 1985 (recognised bodies) and the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (former solicitors, registered foreign lawyers, enforcement of Law Society Direction as to inadequate professional services), the form of Applications, the requirement that a prima facie case be established in applications made in respect of solicitor’s clerks, service, admissions and the evidence of witnesses and hearings generally to be held in public.