How it works

How England and Wales discipline solicitors

The Solicitors Regulation Authority investigates solicitors and can refer serious cases to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, an independent statutory tribunal whose decisions can be appealed to the High Court.

• The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal describes itself as "an independent statutory Tribunal" that hears alleged misconduct by solicitors and others in solicitors' firms.¹
• The Tribunal can strike a solicitor off the Roll, suspend them, restrict their practice, fine or reprimand them, or combine these orders.¹
• "All decisions are subject to a right of Appeal to the High Court," according to the Tribunal.¹
• The SRA decides whether to refer a case to the Tribunal. In the Phil Shiner case the SRA referred him on 4 March 2016 and the Tribunal struck him off after a hearing on 2 February 2017.²
• The Tribunal also hears applications for restoration to the Roll and for ending a suspension.¹

Sources

1. Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, About us (28 October 2026)
2. Solicitors Regulation Authority, Solicitor check, Philip Shiner, SRA ID 124775 (28 October 2026)