Nigel West
Nigel West is a consultant at Russell Cooke specialising in SRA investigations and SDT proceedings and co-author of SRA Investigations, published by the Law Society
FeatureSDT cases – acting dishonestly
Two solicitors have been struck off after the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found they acted dishonestly in separate property-related matters. Nigel West investigates
FeatureCases in point
Nigel West looks at two recent disciplinary cases involving private client practitioners
NewsSDT cases – signatures and undertakings
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has recently considered SRA allegations against property lawyers at different ends of the sanctions spectrum: a serious allegation relating to witnessing a signature and a relatively minor allegation on a breach of an undertaking. Nigel West reports
FeatureWord of warning
Nigel West considers a judgment on the use of AI for legal research, which serves as a warning to all law firms to ensure they have procedures in place to control its usage
FeatureAre you serious?
Following the recent ruling in the Dentons case, Nigel West asks if the SRA will start to prosecute firms as well as individuals
FeatureProceed with caution
Nigel West considers the implications of the Uyghur case for the UK’s framework for investigating money laundering and recovering the proceeds of crime
FeaturePaying the cost
Nigel West looks at the question of whether the SRA should pay for a solicitor’s costs in unsuccessful disciplinary proceedings
FeatureDisciplinary case update
Nigel West considers two Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal cases – one regarding a failure to act in the best interests of a client and another on fines for sexual harassment
FeatureA fair hearing?
Susanna Heley and Nigel West consider the SRA’s recent guidance on its approach to fines and decision-making in disciplinary cases, and outline some of the practical issues this raises
FeatureCase update - costs
Nigel West considers a recent case in the Competition and Markets Authority that may have an impact on costs in disciplinary matters.