Solicitor Member

Job Description

About the SSDT

The Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal (SSDT) is an independent body which mainly deals with serious disciplinary issues that arise from time to time within the Scottish legal profession. The Tribunal is constituted under the provisions of Sections 50 – 54 and Schedule 4 of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 as amended.

The Tribunal is governed by a set of rules (Scottish Solicitors Discipline Tribunal Procedure Rules 2024 can be accessed here) which must be approved by the Lord President of the Court of Session.

The Tribunal’s mission statement is to ensure so far as possible that all cases brought before the Tribunal are dealt with in accordance with the legislative framework and the principles of natural justice, bearing in mind the importance of protecting the public from harm and maintaining public confidence in the legal profession. The Tribunal endeavours to deal with cases efficiently and expeditiously. The Tribunal has a duty to be independent, impartial, and transparent.

The Tribunal deals with:

• Complaints about professional misconduct by a solicitor
• Applications for Restoration to the Roll of Solicitors
• Appeals by Solicitors against a finding made by the Law Society of unsatisfactory professional conduct. (Section 42ZA(9) Appeals)
• Appeals by Lay Complainers against the failure by the Law Society to make a finding of unsatisfactory professional conduct. (Section 42ZA(10) Appeals)
• Appeals by Solicitors or Lay Complainers against the extent of any award of compensation or the failure to award any compensation. (Section 42ZA(11) and (12) Appeals)
• The Tribunal also deals with Complaints and Appeals relating to conveyancing and executry practitioners.

The Tribunal operates independently of the Law Society of Scotland. The Tribunal is made up of 12 solicitor and 12 lay members. 

At each hearing the Tribunal comprises two solicitor and two lay members. Hearings are generally held in public. In cases of professional misconduct, the Tribunal can impose censures and/or fines.  It can order that a solicitor’s practising certificate is restricted.  In the most serious cases, the Tribunal can suspend or strike off a solicitor. The Tribunal also has the power to award compensation for loss, inconvenience and distress to those directly affected by the misconduct.

More information can be found in the SSDT Information Sheet.

Selection Criteria

Solicitor members should be able to/have:

• Effectively analyse written and oral material to arrive at balanced and objective decisions.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Speak clearly, calmly and concisely, giving reasons when required.
• Work as part of a team.
• Know how the Tribunal fits within the disciplinary system.
• Understand the different types of cases.

Desirable skills:

• Knowledge of conveyancing
• Familiarity with cashroom procedure
• Experience in litigation
• Experience in private client work

Solicitor members cannot be members of the Council of the Law Society (or its committees) while they are members of the Tribunal. 

Time Commitment and Remuneration

Members are required to attend Tribunal hearings. The time commitment varies and usually this role offers a commitment of approximately 4-12 sitting days per year.

The Tribunal carries out most of its procedural and preliminary business by video conference. Most substantive hearings (especially if witness evidence is led) are held in person. Solicitor members will be expected to attend both virtual and in person hearings.

Hearings generally commence at 10:00 am and conclude by 4:30 pm or whenever business is concluded. Members are also required to read papers in preparation for the hearings. These papers are made available to members a week in advance of the hearing. Members also read and approve draft findings produced after the meeting.

There is a compulsory annual training day all members to consider any changes in legislation or any other developments, which might affect the work of the Tribunal. Members are also expected to attend the Tribunal’s Annual General Meeting which is a half day meeting by video conference.

Solicitor members are paid:

Full day: A preparation fee of £62.94 and an attendance fee of £251.76 for each full hearing/training/meeting day (total £314.70).
For half day: A preparation fee of £62.94 and an attendance fee of £125.88 for attendance (total £188.82).

Length of Term

The appointments are for five years and will commence immediately upon approval. Further re-appointment may be possible.

How to Apply

To apply please download the application form from the Society’s website. The deadline for all applications is Wednesday 24 September 2025.

Application Process

The Nominations Committee will review all applications and put their selection forward to the Society’s Council for consideration. The Lord President is then presented with recommendations for appointment.

We will write to you informing you of your nomination and then the Clerk of the Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal will contact the successful candidates following the Lord President’s appointment.

For more information about this role, please contact the Tribunal Clerk on 01334 659088 or email enquiries@ssdt.org.uk