Appearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) is an extremely serious matter for any solicitor, whether it is regarding accusations of a technical breach of the rules or alleged dishonesty, fraud or misconduct. Alisdair Williamson KC has gained a reputation as one of the leading barristers representing professionals against a range of serious allegations across the country.

A disciplinary tribunal can completely change your life and you’ll need an expert defence team to robustly defend your position. Your family life, career and livelihood are often at risk and there may also be adverse press attention to handle which can ruin your reputation or law firm.

Alisdair Williamson KC can assist wherever you are based and is on hand to discuss your defence strategy. Alisdair has been practising in professional discipline for over 25 years and has gained recognition as one of the leading experts in the field.

Free Initial Telephone Consultation

To discuss your situation and for a no obligation quote for representation, please contact Alisdair’s Chambers on 0207 400 6400 and ask to speak to his Clerks (Dean Brown or Eddie Holland). Telephone lines are open between 8:30am and 6:30pm. Alternatively, please email him directly on awm@3rblaw.com and he’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Defending Your Reputation

Alisdair provides a non-judgemental and heavyweight defence to solicitors facing disciplinary action from the SDT and SRA. Alisdair has successfully defended many professionals accused of a range of allegations in both a criminal and a regulatory setting across the country.

From investigations, first instance proceedings, appeals, restoration to the roll or applying to have practising restrictions removed or varied, Alisdair can assist with a range of professional discipline matters.

Alisdair has also acted for a range of professional clients against their regulatory bodies, including the FCA, GMC and GDC. He has a particular expertise in defending allegations of sexual misconduct.

Recent Cases

Alisdair has a strong reputation for winning unusual, complex and demanding cases. He has been involved in many very high-profile cases including successfully appealing the SDT decision in Beckwith v SRA. He has advised in several such cases and ensured that action by the SRA has been avoided. He has acted for solicitors accused of dishonesty and fraud in respect of client money. He regularly advises firms and individuals during any investigation process by the SRA and is experienced at ensuring the matters do not progress to disciplinary proceedings. Recent instructions include successfully acting for a firm accused of failings in supervision leading to serious errors in conveyancing and successfully acting for an individual accused of failings in management.

Reputation and Media

Alisdair is regularly featured in the press, including being featured in The Law Society Gazette, Legal Futures, Legal Cheek, BBC, ITV, Financial Times, The Independent and The Guardian to name but a few. You can see more about his press coverage by visiting his media section. His reputation as a leading barrister also saw him voted as ‘The Times Lawyer of the Week’ in 2013 and The Lawyer’s Barrister of the Week in 2020.

Legal guides describe him as:

• “Instructed in the biggest cases and gets fantastic results for his clients” Chambers UK
• “Majestic” – Chambers and Partners UK
• “Technically brilliant – one of the very best.” – The Legal 500
• “He has a fantastic manner. His witness handling is outstanding.” Chambers and Partners UK: Professional Discipline
• “He’s very good at getting his head around a case quickly, and from there he makes the right strategic calls.” Chambers and Partners UK: Professional Discipline
• “A highly experienced, unflappable advocate, he’s always calm and able to think on his feet.” Chambers and Partners UK: Professional Discipline

How to make contact

Alisdair can assist wherever you are based and can meet at time location to suit you once instructed in your legal matter.  If you want to discuss how Alisdair can help you, then please ring one of his clerks, Dean Brown or Eddie Holland, on 020 7400 6400. They will be happy to talk to you about the individual needs of your case and what the most appropriate method of instruction may be.

Alternatively, you can email him directly on awm@3rblaw.com and he’ll get back to you as soon as possible.