SSDT prohibits former Scottish solicitor from rejoining the roll

The Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal (SSDT) has found former solicitor David Nightingale guilty of professional misconduct in connection with acts of dishonesty in relation to client funds, in the course of his work at a Coatbridge-based firm.

Mr Nightingale has not been on the roll of solicitors since 2014 and, for the first time, the SSDT used powers defined under section 53(2)(aa) of the 1980 Solicitors (Scotland) Act, to prohibit Mr Nightingale from being restored to the roll. In effect, Mr Nightingale will not be permitted to practise as a Scottish solicitor at any future date.

Lorna Jack, Chief Executive of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “It is vital that individuals can continue to place their trust in Scottish solicitors and that their interests are protected, should things go wrong.

“We take our regulatory role very seriously and will intervene when we suspect that any of our members has failed to meet the Society’s high professional standards, in the course of their work as a Scottish solicitor.”

The full findings are available to read on the SSDT website: SSDT findings