Michael KatzApplication 8028/1999Hearing, 19 January 2000;reasons, 23 March 2000

The applicant, of Flat B, 242 Westbourne Park Rd, London W11 1EL, had been suspended from practice as a solicitor by the SDT in February 1996 for an indefinite period.

The SDT granted his application for the period of suspension to be determined on 19 January 2000.

It noted that in February 1996 the tribunal had expressed concern as to the applicant's state of mental health.

In the present proceedings it had before it a report from a consultant psychiatrist.

It was plain that the diagnosis of the applicant's condition had made him aware of its effects and enabled him to manage his affairs in a way which could overcome the problems caused by his disorder.

It seemed that his condition would not hinder the applicant in practice, provided that he did not assume responsibility for administrative affairs.

The SDT recommended that any practising certificate granted to the applicant should permit him to practise only in approved employment.

In reaching its decision, the SDT declined to accept an argument by the respondent (on behalf of the Law Society) that applications for the determination of periods of suspension should be treated as analogous to applications for restoration to the Roll following a striking-off order.

No order was made as to costs.