• The Appeal is sent to the Chair of the Tribunal. If the Chair considers the Appeal to be manifestly unfounded (for example, because it is unfocused or irrelevant) it may be sent back to you to be re-drafted into more concise relevant points, or you might be asked to supply further information and documents in support of the appeal. If the Appeal is still considered to be manifestly unfounded, the Chair will consider dismissal under rule 23(4). You will be given an opportunity to make written representations before a decision is made to dismiss your appeal.
• If the Appeal is correctly drafted and is not manifestly unfounded, the Chairman will authorise intimation of the Appeal on the other parties.
• In a solicitor’s appeal, the other parties are the Law Society and the original complainer.
• In a complainer’s appeal, the other parties are the Law Society and the solicitor.
• Following intimation of the appeal, the parties will have 21 days in which to lodge Answers to your Appeal. Copies of the Answers will also be sent to you.
• After the period for Answers has expired, you will be notified of the date of the hearing. A procedural hearing might be set in the first instance. More information about the different types of hearings can be found on the diary page of the
Tribunal’s website. Hearings may be held virtually or in person. If you have a preference, please let the Tribunal Office know as early as possible along with the reasons for your preference. The final decision is for the Tribunal to make.
• Once an appeal is lodged, it cannot be withdrawn without the consent of the Tribunal.
• If your appeal goes ahead, you will have to make your case before the Tribunal at a hearing. You can do this yourself or a representative can do it on your behalf. It can be in your interests to obtain legal representation at an appeal hearing.
• Expenses in Tribunal proceedings usually follow success. If you are unsuccessful, you might have to pay the expenses of the other parties and the Tribunal. This can run to several thousand pounds. See the Frequently Asked Question,
“What does an award of expenses mean?” for more information.