There are a lot of chairs
Members of the public can now go on a virtual tour of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) thanks to a new interactive online tool.
Launched this summer, the website function allows members of the public to navigate around the London tribunal’s various courts, discussion rooms and reception area. Keen to make the tour as realistic as possible, the SDT has drafted in what appear to be actors to play lawyers, court clerks, tribunal members and witnesses.
Here’s a shot of the SDT’s reception area and a lawyer signing in his tieless client.
And another of a desk and some chairs.
Some more chairs, a desk and a rather fancy looking coat stand.
Another desk and some chairs… oh, and a bin!
In a slightly more interesting shot, virtual tourers can observe a hearing in action and are invited to click a series of blue plus signs to find out more information about the key participants.
Susan Humble, who recently stepped down as the SDT’s chief executive officer, explained how the new online tool will help lawyers, and in particular those representing themselves at hearings, “to get a good feel for what to expect on the day.” She added:
“The interactive pages are easy to navigate and informative. They accurately represent the SDT as a forward-thinking, progressive organisation, focused on putting parties at their ease as part of the fair hearing process. This is just one of several planned enhancements to the website to look forward to.”
The SDT adjudicates upon the alleged misconduct of lawyers and individuals employed by solicitors. In addition to this, it decides applications by ex-solicitors seeking restoration to the roll. It currently has 46 members (32 solicitors and 14 lay members), all appointed by the Master of the Rolls.
