Fewer solicitors were struck off or fined at the tribunal last year despite the number of applications from the SRA increasing.

The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal annual report for 2021 showed that 49 solicitors were struck off last year (of which 16 had agreed the outcome), compared with 55 in 2020. The number of fines fell from 38 to 35 and fixed period suspensions was down from 17 to 10.

The tribunal ordered around £1.9m be paid in costs, which was down by almost £80,000.

The number of applications increased from 114 in 2020 to 136 last year. The 2021 figure included 17 lay applications from members of the public against solicitors (only one was allowed to proceed), which was almost double the number applied for in 2020.

The average cost per court over the year was £12,894 compared to £10,989 in 2020. The main reason for this increase was because the SDT’s administrative expenses, which are largely fixed costs, were spread over 14 fewer hearing days in 2020 and the tribunal undertook a member recruitment campaign and incurred some one-off legal fees. The annual cost to the solicitors’ profession of the SDT was £19.67 per practising solicitor, compared to £18.40 in 2020.

The report also reveals that the SDT considered leaving its current central London location when the lease on the building expires in December.

During 2021 the tribunal reviewed its office accommodation requirements and decided to reduce the amount of office space needed in the future.

The tribunal added: ‘We looked at the different options available, including remaining in Gate House with a reduced footprint, or moving to alternative offices either within or outside London, with a view to obtaining best value for money. Having considered all options, the plan is to reduce our footprint in Gate House and repurpose existing office space to utilise it more flexibly whilst retaining our courtrooms.’

 

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