SDT Agreed Outcomes
SDT Agreed Outcome Support
Through the course of a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal proceeding, it may occur that the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) and the respondent find a solution to resolve the issues without proceeding to a formal hearing. This is known as an ‘Agreed Outcome’ and is possible any time before a formal hearing.
An Agreed Outcome is a formal agreement that resolves all matters but still requires approval from the SDT panel.
However, before entering an Agreed Outcome, a ‘Statement of Agreed Facts and Outcome’ must be drafted and signed by the ‘Respondent’ before being submitted to the SDT for their judgement. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) must also agree to the terms before being presented to the panel.
Agreed Outcomes Support for Law Firms
By agreeing to the Statement of Agreed Facts and Outcome, the respondent is consenting to the possibility that failure to comply with any binding undertaking could result in the matter being referred back to the SDT.
After the SDT reviews the statement and agrees with the proposed outcome, a ‘Judgement on an Agreed Outcome’ will be prepared.
Agreed outcomes are typically reserved for matters with early admissions and concessions, and the facts are not in dispute. These can be a valuable way to minimise damage and control costs.
All negotiations will be without prejudice, and if unsuccessful, the Disciplinary proceedings will proceed.
At the Regulation and Compliance Office (RACO), we offer specialist guidance and support to law firms and legal professionals facing the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, including in obtaining an Agreed Outcome. Dealing with a referral to the SDT is a specialist area, and the consequences of getting the approach wrong can be severe. It is essential that RACO is engaged as early as possible, preferably before the SRA decides to refer to the SDT. – see our service: SRA Self Reports, Enquiries & Investigations.
The earlier in the process that you seek the guidance of our experts – who possess unique insight and expertise in SDT matters – the better advised and prepared you will be.
Solicitor Disciplinary Tribunal Support
SRA and SDT proceedings are expensive. Not only will you need to address the action that the SRA/SDT impose, which often involves a fine, but costs associated with the investigation and hearing will follow a successful prosecution, which can and will be significant. The approach to minimise financial impact is largely out of a firm’s control, but avoiding these fees from escalating is possible.
At RACO, we will guide you through the whole disciplinary and hearing journey, but we do not perform advocacy. At the appropriate stage, we will engage Counsel to work with us and ensure you are fully represented at any disciplinary hearing.
Due to the costs involved, we will aim to resolve issues early and seek an Agreed Outcome, if possible, thereby avoiding a full hearing.
Try and avoid a hearing by resolving the issues at an earlier stage and obtaining an Agreed Outcome if possible.
Find out more about our related services, which includes:
- SRA Enquries and Investigations
- Self-Reporting
- Regulatory Settlement Agreements
- Disciplinary Tribunal Support Services
To contact us about an SRA self-report, SRA enquiry, investigation or SRA prosecution, please contact us on 0203 985 8550 or email us info@regulationandcomplianceoffice.co.uk.
Contact Our Team
To ask any questions about the Regulation and Compliance Office and how we can support your Law Firm, please call us on 0203 985 8550, complete the online enquiry form below, or email us info@regulationandcomplianceoffice.co.uk