SDT Archives - Jonathan Goodwin

Solicitor Suspended For Failing To Protect Vulnerable Client From Fraud

In a recent case heard by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT), solicitor Mr Anthony Gale was suspended from practice for 12 months because he failed to protect his vulnerable client from being taken advantage of … Read More

Bromley Solicitor Fined By SDT For Using Disbursement Money to Pay Wages

A recent SDT case saw solicitor Mladen Kesar issued with a fine and an indefinite Restriction Order after it was found that he used disbursement money received from the Legal Aid Agency to pay office … Read More

Solicitor Transfers £1m Home of Deceased Client Into His Own Name

We recently wrote an article about former solicitor Stephen Acres, who was jailed for stealing from his elderly client. This month we will look at the case of solicitor James Allie, who transferred the ownership … Read More

Solicitor Struck Off for Concealing Client’s Complaint

In February 2022, the SDT decided on a matter involving former solicitor, Elizabeth Nedin, who concealed a complaint made by one of her clients. The case should act as a reminder for law firms of … Read More

What to Expect During SDT Proceedings

For any legal professional facing disciplinary proceedings by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT), it is important to understand the process and rules they follow. In 2019, to make the SDT rules and procedures clearer, especially … Read More

Defending Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Proceedings

If you have been investigated by the SRA and the matter has been referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) it is imperative that you instruct an experienced SRA and SDT defence solicitor. This is … Read More

Success Story – We Restore Rehabilitated Solicitor To The Roll

Jonathan Goodwin has been successful in persuading the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) to restore Shadab Ahmed Khan, who was convicted for money laundering offences, to the Roll of Solicitors. Mr Khan was admitted to the … Read More

What do the SDT’s Strategic & Operational Plans 2020–2023 Tell Us About Future Legal Regulation?

The SDT recently published two separate documents, one outlining their Strategic Plan for 2020 – 2023, and another their Operational Plan for 2020 – 2023. In the words of Edward Nally, President of the SDT … Read More

What Clients Say

“I never give reviews, but occasionally in life something or someone is so brilliant that a review is warranted and this is one such occasion.

Anyone reading this is no doubt facing a disciplinary action by the SRA or other professional body. I was facing a charge of dishonesty amongst other allegations and the stress over the two and a half years was immeasurable, it subsumed my life. Another solicitor recommended Jon and I engaged his services. It was the best thing I ever did. From the very first ‘phone call I knew that I had made the right decision. Jon was calm and measured. His knowledge of regulatory law is frankly outstanding. When dealing with my case I felt that I was his only client. He was honest, personable, down to earth and always on hand to guide me through the process, so I never felt alone.

My matter was referred to the SDT for a 3 day hearing and at that stage I just wanted to give up, but Jon’s wise counsel stopped me from doing so and I am so glad I followed his advice.

Jon’s advocacy is awesome. He completely demolished the SRA investigator under cross examination. I have honestly never seen anything like it. At that point I was so glad he was acting for me and not the SRA! The investigator even apologised to me twice during his evidence.

The SRA’s allegations were not proved and I walked away with my life back. I cannot recommend Jon highly enough. So if you are reading this and you are facing such actions then please do not hesitate and engage Jon, you will not regret it.”

Solicitor

"I never give reviews, but occasionally in life something or someone is so brilliant that a review is warranted and this is one such occasion. Anyone reading this is no doubt facing a disciplinary action by the SRA or other professional body. I was facing a charge of dishonesty amongst other allegations and the stress over the two and a half years was immeasurable, it subsumed my life. Another solicitor recommended Jon and I engaged his services. It was the best thing I ever did. From the very first 'phone call I knew that I had made the right decision. Jon was calm and measured. His knowledge of regulatory law is frankly outstanding. When dealing with my case I felt that I was his only client. He was honest, personable, down to earth and always on hand to guide me through the process, so I never felt alone. My matter was referred to the SDT for a 3 day hearing and at that stage I just wanted to give up, but Jon's wise counsel stopped me from doing so and I am so glad I followed his advice. Jon's advocacy is awesome. He completely demolished the SRA investigator under cross examination. I have honestly never seen anything like it. At that point I was so glad he was acting for me and not the SRA! The investigator even apologised to me twice during his evidence. The SRA's allegations were not proved and I walked away with my life back. I cannot recommend Jon highly enough. So if you are reading this and you are facing such actions then please do not hesitate and engage Jon, you will not regret it." Solicitor

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